The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to all States, requiring them to respond within three weeks to a status report provided by the Amicus Curiae. This report highlights significant vacancies in district and state consumer commissions. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, also instructed the States to demonstrate compliance with the Court’s prior order dated July 22, 2026, which pertains to pay and allowances for commission members.
The Court took serious note of a detailed report from the President of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which outlines vacancies and pendency issues within the consumer commissions. The report brings to light key challenges such as the process for appointing commission members and the transition to a new legislative framework, under which members from the previous regime will continue only until September 6.
Attorney General R Venkataramani proposed that selection processes initiated under the old law could be completed, provided they align with the terms and conditions of the new enactment. “No tribunal should become non-functional merely because of the transition,” emphasized CJI Kant.
The case is set to be revisited on September 8. The Court is addressing this suo motu case to tackle the widespread vacancies, staff shortages, and escalating pendency in consumer commissions across the country. According to the NCDRC president’s report, the commission itself has nearly 18,000 pending cases. The Attorney General highlighted the limited use of single-member benches, suggesting that administrative reconsideration could allow more matters to be heard by such benches.
Amicus Curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan provided a comprehensive State-wise report using data gathered through Google Forms. He specifically noted the prolonged vacancy of the Jharkhand State Commission’s president position since 2020 and the almost complete absence of members in some States.
The Court’s order stated: “The prevailing conditions vary from State to State. We request the Registry to obtain a soft copy of the status report and supply it directly to counsel appearing for all the States within two days. All States are directed to submit their responses to the status report within three weeks.” Furthermore, the Court reiterated the need for States to explain their compliance with its July 22, 2026 order concerning pay and allowances for commission members.
