MEHRAULI DISTRICT CONSUMER FORUM

The Mehrauli District Consumer Forum is a consumer redressal forum established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It is located in Mehrauli, a historical neighborhood in South Delhi known for its famous monuments and bustling markets. The forum was set up with the aim of protecting the rights of consumers and providing an efficient and cost-effective judicial system to resolve their complaints.

History

The Mehrauli District Consumer Forum was established in the year 1987, soon after the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act. It was set up under the guidance of the Delhi State Legal Services Authority with the objective of providing speedy and inexpensive justice to consumers in the Mehrauli district. Over the years, the forum has been successfully functioning as a quasi-judicial body, handling a wide range of consumer grievances.

Composition and Jurisdiction

The Mehrauli District Consumer Forum consists of a President and two other members, appointed by the State government. The President is usually a retired District Judge or a qualified lawyer with a minimum of 10 years of experience. The other two members are experts from different fields such as economics, medicine, or consumer affairs. The forum has the power to adjudicate upon complaints worth up to Rs. 20 lakhs, which makes it an important forum for consumers to seek relief in cases of unfair trade practices, defective goods, or deficient services.

Procedure for filing a complaint

Consumers can file complaints at the Mehrauli District Consumer Forum by following a simple procedure. The complaint should contain the details of the consumer, the opposite party, and the details of the grievance. It should also state the relief sought by the consumer. The complaint should be accompanied by documentary evidence, if any, and a copy of the notice sent to the opposite party. The complaint can be filed either by the consumer himself or through an authorized agent or lawyer.

Working of the Forum

Once the complaint is filed, the forum verifies its admissibility and, if found eligible, serves a notice to the opposite party. The opposite party is required to respond within a specified time, failing which, a further hearing is scheduled. Both parties are given an opportunity to present their case and the forum also has the power to summon witnesses or seek expert opinion if required. The entire process is conducted in an informal manner and the forum encourages both parties to reach an amicable settlement.

Verdict and Enforcement

The Mehrauli District Consumer Forum is known for its speedy disposal of cases and the average time taken for resolution is around 4 months. Once the forum has examined all the evidence and arguments, it passes a final judgment. If the consumer is not satisfied with the verdict, he or she can also appeal to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The forum also has the power to enforce its decisions and ensure that the awarded relief is provided to the consumer.

Benefits to Consumers

The Mehrauli District Consumer Forum has been a boon to consumers in the district as it provides them with a simple and cost-effective mechanism to seek redressal for their complaints. The forum has also played an important role in spreading consumer awareness and educating them about their rights and responsibilities. The quick disposal of cases and the enforcement of its decisions have made the forum a reliable and trusted institution for consumers.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Mehrauli District Consumer Forum has been a major step towards protecting the rights of consumers and providing them with a hassle-free system to seek justice. The forum has been successful in handling a large number of consumer complaints and has received accolades for its efficiency and effectiveness. It has been playing an important role in empowering consumers and promoting a fair and transparent market system in the Mehrauli district.