Supreme Court Rebukes Consumer Fora Over Delayed Justice

The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on consumer fora across the country for failing to deliver justice within the prescribed timeframe. This move has been welcomed by advocates practising before consumer commissions, who say it was the need of the hour.

A 72-year-old Kalyan resident, Arvind Budhkar, is still fighting before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to reclaim his home, which he vacated more than a decade ago as part of a long-delayed redevelopment project in Tilak Nagar. Budhkar is one of 24 members of Shankar Chhaya Co-operative Housing Society, which was undertaken for redevelopment by developer Shruti Raj Enterprise.

The residents have sought immediate possession of their flats, payment of overdue rent and clarity on the construction timeline. In their plea, the residents stated that under the development agreement dated October 23, 2007, and its supplementary documents, the 15-storey building was to be completed within three years of the members vacating their flats. However, nearly 17 years later, only 11 floors have been completed, with no construction activity taking place for the past three years.

Advocates practising before consumer commissions have cited several reasons for the prevailing pendency. Advocate Anand Patwardhan, former president of the Consumer Court Advocates’ Association, said the primary cause of pendency was that not all presiding officers of the commissions are judicial members. He said the lack of understanding of legal aspects among technical members, who have no judicial experience, often results in delays.

The Supreme Court's intervention has been welcomed by advocates, who say it will help speed up the delivery of justice. Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh said the Supreme Court's intervention was a positive step towards addressing the issue of delayed justice. The apex court has directed the departments concerned to take necessary steps to address the issue of pendency and ensure that justice is delivered within the prescribed timeframe.

The issue of delayed justice is a major concern in India, with many cases pending for years. The Supreme Court's intervention is seen as a step towards addressing this issue and ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of consumer fora and the delivery of justice in the country.

The Supreme Court's directive is a wake-up call for consumer fora to pull up their socks and deliver justice within the prescribed timeframe. The move is expected to bring relief to many consumers who have been waiting for years for justice. The apex court's intervention is a positive step towards ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

In the context of Mumbai, the issue of delayed justice is a major concern, with many cases pending for years. The Supreme Court's intervention is seen as a step towards addressing this issue and ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of consumer fora in Mumbai and the delivery of justice in the city.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's rebuke to consumer fora over delayed justice is a welcome move. The apex court's intervention is expected to bring relief to many consumers who have been waiting for years for justice. The move is a step towards ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the functioning of consumer fora in the country.