Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Shri Arjun Virnodkar, filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court at Goa seeking a direction for the appointment of a full-time President for the North Goa District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum and the South Goa District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, as well as regular members for both forums. The petitioner contended that the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 does not provide for part-time Presidents and that the then Commissioner of the State Commission had recommended full-time appointments due to the pendency of matters. Despite correspondence, no action was taken. The respondents did not file a reply. The court, after hearing the counsel, noted that the objectives of the Act were being defeated by the failure to appoint full-time Presidents. The court directed the respondents to take steps to appoint full-time Presidents and regular members for both District Forums within three months from the date of the order. The petition was disposed of accordingly.
Headnote
A) Consumer Law - Appointment of President - Full-time Requirement - Consumer Protection Act, 1986 - The court considered the petitioner's contention that the Act does not provide for part-time Presidents and that the continued vacancy of full-time Presidents defeats the objectives of the Act. The court directed the respondents to take steps to appoint full-time Presidents and regular members for both District Forums within three months. (Paras 3-6)
Issue of Consideration
Whether the failure to appoint full-time Presidents for the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums in North and South Goa violates the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and defeats its objectives.
Final Decision
The court directed the respondents to take steps to appoint full-time Presidents and regular members for both North Goa and South Goa District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums within three months from the date of the order. The petition was disposed of.
Law Points
- Consumer Protection Act
- 1986
- Appointment of President
- Full-time vs Part-time
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum
