Consumer courts are made to take decisions and to safeguard consumers exploitation it also helps in the proper follow of consumer rights there are mainly three levels of consumer court district state or national level

consumer forum is a group of people responsible for awaring people of their rights
it is generally present everywhere another name of consumer forum is consumer society

**Difference between Consumer Court and Consumer Forum**

Consumer Court and Consumer Forum are both legal bodies established to protect the rights of consumers and provide them with a platform to seek redressal for their grievances. While they have similar objectives, there are some key differences between the two. Let's explore these differences in detail:

**1. ** **Jurisdiction:**

- A Consumer Court, also known as a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, is a higher judicial body that has the authority to deal with consumer disputes involving a significant amount of compensation. It is established at the district, state, and national levels.
- A Consumer Forum, on the other hand, is a less formal and decentralized forum established at the district, state, and national levels. It handles consumer disputes involving smaller amounts of compensation.

**2. ** **Legal Hierarchy:**

- The Consumer Court is a formal legal entity that operates under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It follows the legal procedures and principles of the Indian judicial system, including the Code of Civil Procedure.
- The Consumer Forum, also established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, follows a simplified procedure and is not bound by strict legal formalities. It aims to provide speedy and cost-effective justice to consumers.

**3. ** **Composition:**

- The Consumer Court is presided over by a judicial member who is typically a District Judge or a retired District Judge. It also includes two other members, one of whom is from a consumer background.
- The Consumer Forum is headed by a President who is either a retired District Judge or an advocate. It also comprises two other members, one of whom is from a consumer background.

**4. ** **Appellate Authority:**

- If a consumer is dissatisfied with the decision of the Consumer Court, they can appeal to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, depending on the value of the dispute.
- If a consumer is dissatisfied with the decision of the Consumer Forum, they can appeal to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, depending on the value of the dispute.

**5. ** **Powers and Functions:**

- The Consumer Court has the power to issue orders, summon witnesses, and conduct hearings like a regular court. It can also award compensation, order the replacement of goods, or direct the refund of money.
- The Consumer Forum has the power to issue orders, summon witnesses, and conduct hearings in a less formal manner. It can award compensation, order the replacement of goods, or direct the refund of money.

**Conclusion:**

In summary, the key differences between Consumer Court and Consumer Forum lie in their jurisdiction, legal hierarchy, composition, appellate authority, and the powers they possess. While the Consumer Court deals with higher value disputes and follows a formal legal procedure, the Consumer Forum handles smaller value disputes and operates in a less formal manner to provide speedy justice to consumers. Both these bodies play a crucial role in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair and efficient resolution of consumer disputes.