A Consumer Forum, also known as a Consumer Disputes Redressal Agency, is a quasi-judicial body established in India to address grievances and disputes of consumers. It provides a platform for consumers to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, defective goods, or deficient services.

Structure: The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 provides for a three-tier structure of consumer dispute redressal agencies:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC): Established at the district level.

• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): Established at the state level.

• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Established at the national level.

Each commission consists of a president and at least two members, one of whom must be a woman. They are appointed by the respective governments and possess qualifications as defined in the Consumer Protection Act.

Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of each forum is determined by the pecuniary value of the goods or services and the compensation claimed:

• District Commission: Handles cases where the value of goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed ₹50 lakh.

• State Commission: Hears complaints where the value of goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹50 lakh but does not exceed ₹2 crore.

• National Commission: Takes up cases where the value of goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹2 crore.

Additionally, the State and National Commissions also have appellate jurisdiction over the District and State Commissions, respectively. Appeals can be filed if a party is not satisfied with the order of the lower forum.

Note: These pecuniary limits were revised by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The previous limits were different under the older 1986 Act.

Sources:

• Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission