Supreme Court Closes 18-Year Loophole, Restores Power of Consumer Forums to Enforce All Orders

The Supreme Court has ruled that consumer forums can enforce all their orders like civil court decrees, ending an 18-year gap caused by a 2002 amendment. The judgment ensures consumers get real justice and not just “paper victories.”

PIL in Supreme Court: “20% Ethanol-Blended Petrol Will Damage Vehicles, Leave Consumers Helpless”

A PIL challenges the rollout of E20 petrol, warning it harms engines, cuts fuel efficiency, and leaves consumers without insurance cover. The plea seeks ethanol-free petrol, labelling, and consumer protection.

Flipkart, TV Manufacturer Found Guilty of Deficiency in Service Over Defective Product Sale

The Mumbai Consumer Commission found Flipkart and Thomson TV guilty of selling a defective television and failing to address the customer’s complaints. The commission ruled that both companies are jointly responsible, ordering a full refund of Rs 13,999, compensation for mental distress, and covering litigation costs, collectively amounting to Rs 20,000.

Dry Plate, No Debate: “No Free Gravy with Porotta & Beef Fry”, Rules Kerala Consumer Court

A Kerala Consumer Court said restaurants need not give free gravy with porotta and beef fry. It rejected a journalist’s Rs.1 lakh claim for emotional distress after a restaurant refused to serve extra gravy.

Delhi High Court: “Restaurants Aren’t Permitted to Impose a Mandatory Service Charge on Food Bills”

Today, On 28th March, The Delhi High Court ruled that service charges on food bills are voluntary and cannot be imposed mandatorily by restaurants. The court emphasized that customers have the right to choose whether to pay the charge. It rejected any practice of forcing diners to bear additional costs. This decision reinforces consumer rights in the hospitality sector.

Supreme Court: “Borrower Cannot Be Classified as a Consumer Under Consumer Protection Act If Loan Taken for Profit”

The Supreme Court ruled that a borrower does not qualify as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act if the loan is taken for profit-making purposes. A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prashant Kumar Mishra made this observation while hearing an appeal by the Central Bank of India against a decision of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). The ruling clarifies the scope of consumer rights in financial transactions.

Supreme Court Set-aside NCDRC Judgment: “Banks Charging Over 30% Interest on Credit Card Dues Are Unfair Trade Practices”

Today, On 20th December, The Supreme Court set-aside the NCDRC’s 2008 decision that limited credit card interest rates to 30%. The NCDRC earlier criticized banks for charging high rates of 36% to 49% on overdue payments. The Supreme Court’s ruling will affect how banks set interest on credit card dues. This decision shows a change in financial regulation policies.

“This Is An Important Issue”: SC Will Examine Whether ‘Trust’ is a ‘Consumer’ Under Consumer Protection Act

The Supreme Court observed Today (Sept 11) that it was an important issue and posted the matter for hearing on September 18. The Court was hearing a batch of appeals against several decisions of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), all of which raised a common question of law.

“You Can’t Compel the Purchaser. Granting Possession of a Flat Without Completion & Clearance Certificates is ILLEGAL”: SC

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that real estate developers must obtain both a completion certificate and a fire safety clearance before offering possession of a flat, deeming it illegal to do otherwise. This landmark decision reinforces homebuyers’ rights by ensuring developers are accountable for securing all necessary approvals.

“No Coercive Action by Banks or Builders”: Supreme Court Grants Relief to NCR Home Buyers

The Supreme Court ruling ensures no coercive action by banks or builders against NCR home buyers for EMI payments. Home buyers, affected by illegal loan disbursements, sought relief after the Delhi High Court dismissed their petitions. The decision is expected to impact the NCR’s real estate landscape and reflects the judiciary’s concern for home buyers.