The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is benevolent social legislation that lays down the rights of consumers and provides for promotion and protection of the rights of consumers. To provide inexpensive, speedy and summary redressal of consumer disputes, quasi-judicial bodies have been set up in each District, State and National level. It provides a three-tier structure comprising of the National Commission, State Commissions and District Forums for speedy resolution of consumer disputes. Under this Act Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Uttarakhand State has been constituted in the year 2002. In State Commission, complaints are filed where the value of the goods or services and compensation, if any, claimed exceeds rupees fifty lakhs but does not exceed rupees two crore.
At present there are 13 District Forums functioning in the State of Uttarakhand. These Forums work under the administrative control of State Commission which also acts as Appellate Commission. Either a sitting Judge or a retired Judge of a High Court is appointed as the President of the State Commission by the State Government whereas the members are appointed by State Government on the recommendation of a selection committee. Presently, post of President of the State Commission is vacant. Out of 4 posts of Members in the State Commission, two Members (One Judicial Member and One General Member) are working whereas two post of Members (One Judicial Member and One General Member)are lying vacant.
District Commission is established in every District headquarter. An additional charge of President to the District of Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal has given to the President of District Commission, Dehradun; An additional charge of President to the District of Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli and Rudraprayag has given to the President of District Commission, Haridwar; An additional charge of President to the District of Almora and Bageshwarl has given to the President of District Commission, Nainital ; An additional charge of President to the District of Champawat and Pithoragarh has given to the President of District Commission, Udhamsingh Nagar. In the District Commission, a consumer complaint can be filed valuing up to Rs. fifty lakhs with a nominal court fee.
Hit Counter0000594281 Since: 19-11-2013