The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 is a law that replaced an earlier one from 1986. Just like the old law, the new one sets up a three-level system to resolve issues for consumers. These levels are called the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. People commonly refer to them as District Commission, State Commission, and National Commission.
These commissions act like courts but are not exactly the same. They're there to help consumers resolve problems without going to regular courts. The District Commission is in each district, set up by the state government. The State Commission is in each state, usually working from the state capital, and the National Commission is at the national level.
National vs State vs District Commission
The central government sets up the National Commission, which typically operates from the national capital region. The idea is to make it easier for people to get help with consumer issues without going through the regular court system.
Right now, there are 678 District Commissions and 35 State Commissions, with the National Commission at the top. The National Commission was formed in 1988. In simple terms, these commissions are like special courts that focus on helping consumers in different areas.
The National Commission consists of a President and a specified number of members, which, as of 2020, ranges from four to eleven members. At least one member of the National Commission must be a woman.
The National Commission can hear appeals against orders from any State Commission. Appeals should be filed within 30 days from the State Commission's order. If there's a good reason, the National Commission may consider an appeal filed after 30 days.
Additionally, the National Commission can hear appeals against orders of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). Appeals must be made within 30 days from the date of receiving the CCPA's order.
Each State Commission has a President and several members as decided by the central government, not less than four.
Jurisdiction
1. Pecuniary Jurisdiction: The State Commission handles complaints where the value of goods or services is more than rupees one crore but doesn't exceed rupees ten crores. The central government can set different values; in 2021, this limit was reduced to above rupees fifty lakhs but up to rupees two crores.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction: The State Commission can hear appeals against orders from any District Commission within the state. Appeals should be filed within 45 days from the date of the District Commission's order. If there's a good reason, the State Commission may consider an appeal filed after 45 days.
3. Revisional Jurisdiction: The State Commission has the power to review records and make appropriate decisions in any consumer dispute pending before or decided by any District Commission within the state. This can happen in specific situations:
Each District Commission is made up of a President and a number of members, not less than two, as determined in consultation with the central government.
Jurisdiction
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1. What is the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission? |
2. What is the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission? |
3. What is the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission? |
4. How can I approach the Consumer Commissions for dispute redressal? |
5. What kind of disputes can be addressed by the Consumer Commissions? |
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