#BREAKING [Consumer Courts Practice Direction] Introduced A Hybrid Mode For Hearings Starting From April 15

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The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has announced a significant practice direction introducing a hybrid mode for hearings, scheduled to commence on April 15.

[ NCDRC Practice Direction] Introduced a Hybrid mode for Hearings Starting From April 15

NEW DELHI: On Wednesday (10th April): The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has recently announced a new development in its proceedings. The NCDRC will adopt a hybrid mode of conducting hearings, allowing both physical appearances and video conferencing. This pilot project aims to streamline the dispute resolution process and make it more accessible for consumers.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued a directive to all consumer courts, instructing them to commence online hearings from April 15 onward. The NCDRC, which serves as the apex appellate body of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), has released a set of standard operating procedures (SoPs) to govern these virtual proceedings.

The NCDRC handles cases involving compensations exceeding Rs 2 crore, while the State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs) address cases ranging between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 2 crore. Additionally, the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions (DCDRCs) have jurisdiction over cases with compensation up to Rs 50 lakh. The implementation of the hybrid mode of hearing at the NCDRC will serve as a pilot project until further notice.

To ensure a smooth transition, the NCDRC has outlined the SoPs that will govern the virtual court appearances. The cause list will contain video conferencing links for all benches, making them easily accessible to participants. The Commission recommends a minimum internet speed of 2 megabits per second (Mbps) for seamless connectivity. However, these links will not be directly shared with advocates and aggrieved parties but will be made available on the cause list.

Advocates and complainants are expected to adhere to the decorum and protocols applicable in physical courtrooms when appearing via video conferencing. Microphones should remain muted until called upon to make submissions, and mobile phones must be kept silent, switched off, or in airplane mode during the proceedings. Notably, senior advocates or litigants present in person are allowed to keep their microphones on. In case of interruptions or security concerns, the hearing can be reviewed, and appropriate measures will be taken.

The introduction of the hybrid mode of hearing at the NCDRC is a significant step towards enhancing consumer access to justice. By leveraging technology, this system enables individuals to resolve their complaints more conveniently and cost-effectively. Moreover, it sets the stage for the implementation of e-court services across all state consumer dispute redressal commissions (SCDRCs) and benches of the NCDRC, in line with the CCPA’s objectives.

CLICK HERE TO READ NCDRC PRACTICE DIRECTION

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