The Supreme Court on September, 02, directed all States to respond within three weeks to a status report highlighting vacancies in State and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. The Court also sought details on compliance with its July 22, 2026 directions concerning pay and allowances of commission members.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing the Court’s suo motu proceedings concerning vacancies, staff shortages and rising pendency in consumer commissions across the country.
Background of the Case
The Court considered a State-wise report prepared by Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan based on information collected from the States. The report highlighted significant vacancies, including the prolonged vacancy in the post of President of the Jharkhand State Commission and substantial vacancies among members in some States.
The Bench also took note of a report submitted by the President of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which recorded substantial pendency. The NCDRC alone has nearly 18,000 pending matters, according to the report.
The Court expressed concern over the impact of vacancies and administrative difficulties on the functioning of consumer commissions.
The transition to the new legal framework also came under discussion, as members appointed under the earlier regime are due to continue only until September 6. Attorney General R. Venkataramani suggested that selection processes already initiated under the previous law could be completed under the terms prescribed by the new enactment.
CJI Surya Kant observed:
“No tribunal should become non-functional merely because of the transition.”
The Attorney General also raised the issue of limited use of single-member benches. The Chief Justice said the matter could be reconsidered administratively to allow more cases to be heard by such benches.
In its order, the Court directed the Registry to circulate the soft copy of the amicus report to counsel appearing for all States within two days and directed every State to file its response within three weeks. States were also directed to explain their compliance with the July 22 order concerning pay and allowances of consumer commission members.
The matter was listed for further consideration on September 8, 2026.
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