question_answer 15)

Explain the redressal mechanism available to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act,1986?

Answer:

For the redressal of consumer grievances, the Consumer Protection Act provides for setting up of a three-tier enforcement machinery at the District, State and the National levels. (i) District Forum A complaint can be made to the appropriate District Forum when the value of goods or services, along with the compensation claimed does not exceed rs.20 lakhs. In case the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the order of the District Forum, he can appeal before the State Commission within 30 days. (ii) State Commission A complaint can be made to the appropriate State Commission when the value of the goods or services, along with the compensation claimed, exceeds rs.20 lakhs but does not exceed rs.1 crore. The appeals against the orders of District Forum can also be filed before the State Commission. In case the 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 by State Commission. (iii) National Commission A complaint can be made to the National Commission when the value of the goods or services, along with the compensation claimed exceeds Rs. 1 crore. The appeals against the orders of a State Commission can also be filed before the National Commission. An order passed by the National Commission in a matter of its original justification is appealable before the supreme court. This means that only those appeals, where the value of goods + services in question, along with the compensation claimed, exceeded rs. 1 crore and where the aggrieved party was not satisfied with the order of the National Commission, can be taken to the Supreme Court of India.