India Justice Report highlights rising consumer case pendency by 21% despite improved disposal rates.
Alternative dispute resolution and mediation are underutilized, with only 134 cases referred nationwide.
Women's representation in commissions declined, and nearly 50% of State Commissions lack a sitting president.
In Summary
Released by the India Justice Report, it aims to assess the capacity and performance of consumer dispute redressal commissions in India.
Key Findings:
Rising Pendency: Despite improved disposal numbers (88.5% of the 7.64 lakh cases) post-pandemic, total case pendency increased by 21% between 2020 and 2024.
This far exceeds the timelines prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which mandates disposal within three to five months.
Underutilization of Alternative Redressal: Across 23 states providing data, only 134 cases were referred to mediation nationwide.
Declining Representation of Women: The share of women among presidents and members in 14 responding SCDRCs declined from an average of 35% in 2021 to 29% in 2025
High Vacancies: As of 2025, nearly 50% of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs) lacked a sitting president.
Consumer Dispute Redressal Mechanism in India
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
The Act mandates establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at the Centre as well as in each State and District, they render advice on promotion and protection of the consumers' rights.
It also provides for a 3-tier structure for speedy resolution of consumer disputes.
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Take cases of value is more than Rs 2 crore and hear appeals from the state commissions
State CDRCs: For the value from Rupees Fifty Lakh One upto Rupees Two Crore.
District CDRCs: Cases of value upto Rupees Fifty Lakh.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established to conduct investigations into violation of consumer rights and institute complaints / prosecution, order recall of unsafe goods and services, etc.
Recently, Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to allow High Courts to hear consumer appeals where the commissions are non-functional.
A provision in the Indian Constitution that empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, often invoked for extraordinary situations.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
A statutory body established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It is empowered to protect, promote, and enforce consumer rights, and to prevent unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs)
Commissions at the district level that handle consumer disputes involving claims up to Rs 50 Lakh.
Title is required. Maximum 500 characters.
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