The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 seeks to protect and promote the interests of consumers. The Act provides for the setting up of courts operating at three levels – district, state and national.
District Forum
Structure :
The District Consumer Disputes Redressel Forum functions at the district level. It consists of a President and two other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the state government.
Power :
A complaint can be made to the District Forum when the value of the goods or services in question, along with the compensation claimed, does not exceed ₹20 lakhs. On receiving the complaint, the District Forum shall refer the complaint to the party against whom the complaint is filled. If required, the goods shall be sent for testing ¡n a laboratory. The District Forum shall pass an order fier considering the test report. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the verdict of the District Forum, he can appeal before the State Commission within 30 days of the passing of the order.
State Commission
Structure :
The state Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission functions at the state level. It consists of a President and not less than two other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the state government.
Power : A complaint can be made to the State Commission when the value of the goods or services in question, along with the compensation claimed, exceeds ₹20 lakhs, but does not exceed ₹1 crore. The Commission shall pass an order after considering the test report from the laboratory and hearing to the party against whom the complaint is filed. In case the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the order of the State Commission, he can appeal before the National Commission within 30 days of the passing of the order.
National Forum
Structure :
The National Consumer. Disputes Redressal Commission functions at the national level. It consists of a President and atleast 4 other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the Central Government.
Power :
A complaint can be made to the National Commission when the value of the goods and services in question, along with the compensation claimed, exceeds ₹1 crore. The Commission passes the order after following the necessary procedures.