Consumer Commission Appointments | Will Convene Meeting Of State Secretaries & Others: Attorney General Tells Supreme Court

In course of hearing of a public interest litigation challenging inaction of governments in appointing President, Members and Staff of District and State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions across the country, Attorney General R Venkataramani told the Supreme Court yesterday that a meeting of all State Secretaries (and others) was sought to be planned by the Union to address all aspects of the matter.

Taking note, the Bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan listed the matter after 4 weeks, suggesting that in the meantime, the endeavor may be acted upon.

"You can start the initiative...if need be, we will grant you further time", said Justice Kant.

During the hearing, a counsel appearing for State of Telangana also brought it to the notice of the court that an application for clarification of the main judgment, rendered in The Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs v. Dr. Mahindra Bhaskar Limaye and others, 2023 LiveLaw (SC) 161 by Justices MR Shah and MM Sundresh, has been filed and will be coming up before Justice Sundresh.

"[Justice Sundresh] has agreed to hear the matter next week and he has acknowledged that there is a confusion as to appointment and eligibility...", the counsel said.

Keeping in view the same, as well as the AG's request, the matter was adjourned. 

Case Title: In RE: Inaction of the Governments in appointing President and Members/Staff of Districts and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and inadequate infrastructure across India v. Union of India and Ors., SMW(C) No. 2/2021