The Supreme Court has ordered all state governments to promptly pay salaries and benefits to consumer redressal body members, emphasizing fair compensation and the importance of these forums in protecting consumer rights.
New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has directed all state governments to immediately pay the salaries and perquisites of the chairpersons and members of state and district consumer redressal bodies as per existing rules.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and N Kotiswar Singh also instructed the Central government to decide on amending the Consumer Protection (Salary, Allowances, and Conditions of Service of President and Members of the State Commission and District Commission) Model Rules, 2020.
“We direct all the state governments to ensure that without prejudice to various contentions raised in this group of cases, salary and perquisites as per existing state rules shall be immediately paid to the chairpersons/members,”
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the bench ruled.
The court made it clear that if the Government of India does not take a decision on the proposed amendment, it would consider exercising its power under Article 142 of the Constitution to enforce compliance.
In its March 5 order, the Supreme Court stated:
“In the event compliance is not made by some of the state governments, the parties concerned are free to hand over a note to that effect to the learned amicus curiae so that the court can pass an appropriate order.”
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The bench was hearing a petition concerning the salaries and service conditions of consumer forum members. The court’s intervention highlights the importance of ensuring fair compensation for consumer redressal bodies, which play a crucial role in protecting consumer rights across the country.
With this ruling, state governments must act immediately, ensuring that consumer forums operate smoothly and their members receive rightful remuneration.
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