National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the pendency of cases before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and asked the Centre to consider establishing regional and circuit benches to reduce the backlog.

About NCDRC

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a quasi-judicial commission established in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Its primary mandate is to provide inexpensive, speedy and summary redressal of consumer disputes.

Composition

The Commission is headed by a sitting or retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India or a sitting or retired Chief Justice of a High Court.

The head office of the NCDRC is located in New Delhi.

Jurisdiction

The NCDRC has jurisdiction to entertain consumer complaints involving a value of more than ₹2 crore, as stated in the source.

It also exercises appellate and revisional jurisdiction over orders passed by the State Commissions or District Consumer Fora, as applicable.

The consumer protection framework covers both goods and services.

Appeal against NCDRC Orders

A person aggrieved by an order of the NCDRC may prefer an appeal against the order before the Supreme Court of India within 30 days.

Who Can File a Consumer Complaint?

A complaint may be filed by a consumer, a voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956, the Central Government or any State Government, or one or more consumers where there are numerous consumers having the same interest.