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Unit 13: Consumer Protection Act

13.4 Redressal Machinery under the Act Notes

The Act provides for three-tier quasi-judicial redressal machinery at the District, State and
National level for redressal of consumer disputes and grievances. The District Forum has
jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of goods/services complained against and
the compensation, if any claimed, does not exceed 20 lakhs, the State Commission for claims
exceeding 20 lakhs but not exceeding 1 crore; and the National Commission for claims
exceeding 1 crore.

District Forum

Section 9 of the Act provides for the establishment of a District Forum by the State Government
in each district of the State. However, the State Government may establish more than one
District Forum in a district if it deems fit to do so. Section 10(1) provides that each District Forum
shall consist of:
(a) a person who is, or who has been, or is qualified to be, a District Judge, who shall be its
President;
(b) two other members one of whom shall be a woman, who shall have the following
qualifications, namely:

(i) be not less than thirty-five years of age,
(ii) possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university,
(iii) be persons of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge and experience
of at least ten years in dealing with problems relating to economics, law, commerce, accountancy,
industry, public affairs or administration:
Provided that a person shall be disqualified for appointment as a member if he—

(a) has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence, which, in the opinion of
the State Government involves moral turpitude; or
(b) is an undischarged insolvent; or

(c) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; or
(d) has been removed or dismissed from the service of the Government or a body corporate
owned or controlled by the Government; or

(e) has, in the opinion of the State Government, such financial or other interest as is likely to
affect prejudicially the discharge by him of his functions as a member; or
(f) has such other disqualification as may be prescribed by the State Government.

Every member of the District Forum shall hold office for a term of 5 years or upto the age of 65
years, whichever is earlier, and shall be eligible for reappointment for another term of five
years or upto the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier, subject to the condition that he
fulfills the qualifications and other conditions for appointment mentioned in Section 10(1)(b)
and such reappointment is also made on the basis of the recommendation of the Selection
Committee. A member may resign his office in writing under his hand addressed to the State
Government.

Task Explain the meaning and functions of district forum for redressal in consumer laws.

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