05 June 2024 Consumer Protection Act >> Consumer Rights  

A recent judgement highlights the importance of adhering to time limits in consumer complaint matters. The revision petition filed by the petitioner against the order of the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission was dismissed due to being filed beyond the limitation period prescribed by the Consumer Protection Act.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, mandates that revision petitions be filed within 90 days of the order being passed. In this case, the petitioner significantly exceeded this deadline, filing the revision petition a full 270 days later.

The petitioner's argument for the delay centered around a specific employee resigning from the company without properly handing over relevant case files. The judge, however, deemed this explanation insufficient to justify condoning the delay. The judge pointed out that the petitioner company should have had a more robust system in place to handle such situations, including routine staff transfers and changes in personnel.

Furthermore, the judge emphasized that condoning delays in consumer complaint matters goes against the very purpose of the Consumer Protection Act. The Act prioritizes the expeditious resolution of consumer disputes, and allowing excessive delays would undermine this objective.

The judge, citing relevant case law, reiterated that courts cannot extend limitation periods on purely equitable grounds. The law of limitation exists for a reason, and it must be applied with due diligence.

In conclusion, this case serves as a reminder to parties involved in consumer complaint matters to strictly adhere to the time limits outlined in the Consumer Protection Act. The court will not readily grant leniency for delays, especially when they hinder the Act's core principle of swift resolution for consumer disputes.

  Consumer Protection Act, 1986