To provide cheap, speedy and simple redressal to consumer disputes, quasi-judicial machinery is set up at each District, State and National levels called District Forums, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission respectively. 

District Forums in Consumer Protection

District Forums are set up in each district by the State Government concerned in accordance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. These forums are established to provide speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer disputes. Let's understand the following points to know more about District Forums:

Definition: A District Forum is a quasi-judicial body constituted by the State Government to deal with consumer disputes of a particular district.

Composition: A District Forum consists of a President who is or has been a District Judge and two other members who are persons of ability, integrity, and standing and have adequate knowledge or experience of or have shown capacity in dealing with problems relating to economics, law, commerce, accountancy, industry, public affairs, or administration.

Jurisdiction: A District Forum entertains complaints where the value of goods or services and the compensation claimed does not exceed Rs. 20 lakhs. The complaint can be filed by the consumer or any recognized consumer association on behalf of the consumer.

Procedure: The District Forum follows a summary procedure to dispose of the complaint within a prescribed time limit of 90 days from the date of receipt. The procedure is informal, and the parties can appear before the forum in person or through their authorized representatives. The forum can also take up cases on its own or refer them to mediation or conciliation.

Powers: The District Forum has the power to direct the opposite party to remove the defects in goods or services, replace the defective goods, refund the price paid, pay compensation for the loss suffered, and discontinue the unfair trade practice or restrictive trade practice. The forum can also impose a penalty on the opposite party for non-compliance with its orders.

Appeal: An aggrieved party can appeal against the order of the District Forum to the State Commission within 30 days of the order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, District Forums play a crucial role in the consumer protection mechanism by providing an accessible and affordable forum for resolving consumer disputes. The establishment of District Forums has empowered consumers to seek redressal for their grievances and has also made businesses more accountable for their actions.

Districts forum