Should Salary Of State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission Members Be The Same As District Judges? Supreme Court To Consider

Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha on Friday listed a matter concerning the salary of State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission members for December 8, 2022. The batch of pleas prayed that the salary of State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission members should be the same as District Judges.

One of the pleas, filed by a retired District Judge, also sought for an extension of the tenure of the members of the State Consumer Redressal Commissions. The retired judge in question had been appointed as a member of State Consumer Redressal Commission. He stated that the as per the new rules, the maximum age prescribed for a member was 65 years and the same shall be increased to 67 years.

Additional Solicitor General Balbir Singh, appearing for the Union, submitted–

"The Madras Bar Association decision has nothing to do with this. This is under the Consumer Protection Act. He says extend till 67 years and give me two years. Madras Bar isn't dealing with consumer forums. He retired as a district judge. He agreed to the retirement age being 65 years."

While the bench refused to extend the tenure, it decided to list the matter pertaining to the salary issue on 8th December 2022. CJI Chandrachud, while passing the order, stated–

"We'll deal with the salary issue separately. The petitioner is 65 years old, maximum age under the Act. Hence, relief can't be granted. Petition is dismissed. On salary issue, we'll keep the issue early and hear it on 8th December 2022."

CASE TITLE: In Re Pay Allowance of the Members of The U.P. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission WP(C) No. 1144/2021

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