SC hears suo motu case on pay disparities in consumer commissions, stressing uniform salaries and allowances. Next hearing set for October 2025.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard a critical suo motu case on the pay and allowances of members of consumer commissions across the country. The matter is titled IN RE PAY AND ALLOWANCE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE U.P. STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION, W.P.(C) No. 1144/2021.
Back in May 2025, the Court had given a clear direction that the presidents and members of district and state consumer commissions in all states must get uniform salaries and allowances.
The earlier Bench observed that different states were following different pay structures, which had created disparities that directly impacted the financial security and independence of commission members.
During the hearing, counsel for one of the states argued that the law grants states the right to amend the model rules and, therefore, some variations could be permitted.
On behalf of the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati explained the position of certain states.
She said,
“For Rajasthan, the position is similar to Tamil Nadu, they are not seeking exemption from the model rules but are highlighting modifications under Article 142, noting that hill states may have specific concerns.”
The Bench took note of these submissions but made it clear that the larger issue of ensuring fairness, equality, and independence in the functioning of consumer commissions must remain the focus.
The case has now been listed for further hearing in October 2025, where the Supreme Court is expected to give more clarity on how uniformity in pay and allowances will be ensured across states while also balancing the concerns raised by special-category states like the hill regions.
Case Title:
IN RE PAY AND ALLOWANCE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE U.P. STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION, W.P.(C) No. 1144/2021.
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