Consumer forum

consumer forum, types. importance, how to lodge a complaint

1. CONSUMER FORUM

2. Consumer forum are special courts which addresses consumer complaints and grievances. These are set up to protect consumer rights which are done in the form of judiciary hearings . Its main motive is to maintain the fair practices by the sellers towards consumers.

3. TYPES OF CONSUMER FORUM

4. DISTRICT CONSUMER FORUM It consists of a President and two members and are appointed by State Government. In 1986,it had a jurisdiction to entertain complaints when the value of goods or services does not exceed 5 lakh but now the limit is raised upto 20 lakh . If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the judgement then they can file a complaint in State Consumer forum within 30 days . About 621 forums functional in India Term of office : For 5 years or upto age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

5. STATE CONSUMER FORUM It consists of a President and two members and are appointed by State Government. In 1986,it had a jurisdiction to entertain complaints when the value of goods or services exceeds 5 lakh but now the limit is raised upto 1 crore. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the judgement then they can file a complaint in N ational Consumer forum within 30 days . About 35 forums functional in India . Term of office : For 5 years or upto age of 67 years whichever is earlier.

6. NATIONAL CONSUMER FORUM It consists of a President and four members one of whom shall be woman and are appointed by Central Government. In 1986,it had jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of goods or services exceed 20 lakhs but now exceeds 1 crore . If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the judgement then they can file a complaint in supreme court within 30 days . Term of office : For 5 years or upto age of 70 years whichever is earlier.

7. FEE DETAILS Fee should be submitted through Demand Draft. DISTRICT FORUM: Upto Rs 1 lakh : R s 100. Above Rs 1 lakh and upto Rs 5 lakh : Rs 200. Above Rs 5 lakh and upto Rs 10 lakh : Rs 400. Above Rs 10 lakh and upto Rs 20 lakh : Rs 500. STATE FORUM : Above Rs 20 lakh and upto Rs 50 lakh : Rs 2000. Above Rs 50 lakh and upto Rs 1 Crore : Rs 4000. NATIONAL FORUM : A standard amount of Rs 5000.

8. WHO CAN FILE A COMPLAINT? A consumer . Any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act,1956 or under any other law for the time being in force for. The Central or State Government. One or more consumers,where there are numerous consumers having the same interest. In case of death of a consumer,his legal heir or representative.

9. IMPORTANCE OF FORUM They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts . These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people . Works for the protection of Consumer rights.

10. Examples of consumer forum cases. Secunderabad : Driver suffers burns in service centre , gets Rs 8.7 lakh.   Shop at mall fined 10k for refusing to refund Rs 768.