11 Dec 2024 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Students’ grievances against educational institutions, except coaching institutes, will not come under the purview of the Consumer Protection Act, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled. The SCDRC set aside an order passed by the Kasaragod District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission against a Bengaluru-based dental institute. The SCDRC’s order came on an appeal filed by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) against the district commission’s order. It was based on a petition by a Kasaragod student alleging a deficiency of service on the part of a dental institute in Bengaluru. The case followed a dispute between the student and the institute over relieving him from the institute after he secured admission at another institution. In its order, the district commission directed the institute, which was the second opposite party in the case, to refund an amount of Rs 52,500 and pay Rs 10,000 as compensation. Source: Indian Express

11 Dec 2024 Mandi Gobindgarh, 11 December: The ADR Center, Legal Aid Cell, and Probono Legal Service Club of the University School of Law, Desh Bhagat University, organized a Legal Awareness Camp at Village Sohag Heri, District Fatehgarh Sahib on “Legal Aid Awareness on Consumer Protection Law: Procedure for Filing the Complaint”. The Camp was attended by students, faculty, and local residents. The camp began with a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. Anu Mutneja, Head of the Department at the University School of Law. This was followed by an insightful session led by Dr. Arti, the camp’s coordinator, who explained the key aspects of filing a consumer complaint and the comprehensive redressal mechanisms under the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act. Dr. Arti elaborated on the importance of consumer awareness, the role of Consumer Protection Councils, and the jurisdiction of the four Consumer Forums. A group of 40 students actively participated in the camp, contributing to discussions and gaining knowledge about the essential rights and responsibilities of consumers. Their engagement highlighted the importance of legal education in promoting consumer empowerment. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sarpanch Mr. Gursewak Singh, who appreciated the initiative taken by Desh Bhagat University. He acknowledged the efforts of faculty members and students in organizing the camp and spreading vital legal awareness in the community. Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Tajinder Kaur also commended and said that this initiative underscores the University School of Law’s commitment to community service and legal education, bridging the gap between legal awareness and access to justice in rural areas. Source: Patiala Politics

11 Dec 2024 Pune: A favorable verdict from the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum may bring relief to consumers, but the struggle does not always end there. Many consumers face challenges in enforcing these orders due to non-compliance by service providers. This often leads to further legal battles, adding to the consumer’s burden. In numerous cases, service providers fail to adhere to the orders passed by the district forum. As a result, consumers are forced to initiate additional legal processes to ensure compliance. Some consumers even find themselves defending their cases in the State Consumer Forum if the service provider files an appeal. Case Study: Car Purchase Dispute A recent case highlights these challenges. Sagar, a Pune resident, purchased a car from a reputed automobile company. However, the car’s paint had defects, and when Sagar requested a replacement, the company refused. Frustrated, he approached the district forum, seeking a refund for the car’s cost. The forum ruled in Sagar’s favor and directed the company and the dealership to refund the amount. However, the company appealed the decision in the State Consumer Forum, forcing Sagar to present his case again. Ultimately, the state forum upheld the district court’s order, directing the company to refund the amount. Common Defaulters and Reasons for Appeals Certain industries frequently challenge consumer court orders, including: • Real Estate Developers: Often due to large compensation amounts involved. • Insurance Companies: Multiple complaints filed by consumers exacerbate the issue. • Travel Companies: Appeals are common when refunds or compensation amounts are high. Consumer Protection Act Provisions Consumers facing non-compliance of forum orders can file an application under Sections 71 and 72 of the Consumer Protection Act. Advocate Dnyanraj Gajanan Sant, Vice-President of the Consumer Advocate Association, confirmed that such legal provisions are available to safeguard consumer interests. Despite these legal remedies, consumers often find the process lengthy and exhausting, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms. Source: The Bridge Chronicle

03 Dec 2024 The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched ‘eDaakhil portal’, a speedy and hassle- free mechanism for filing consumer complaints in all states and union territories. What is eDaakhil? Developed under Consumer Protection Act 2019, eDaakhil portal has aprovision of online filing of consumer complaints in the Consumer Commissions and online payment of fees for filing a complaint. “eDaakhil is an innovative online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances,” according to a press release dated November 27, 2024 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. As per the press release, “The eDaakhil portal was first launched on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. By the end of 2023, it was launched in 35 States/UTs except Ladakh. Now, as the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) launched the eDaakhil Portal in Ladakh Consumer Commission on 22nd November 2024. The platform is accessible to consumers across all regions of India, from metropolitan cities to remote areas. This comprehensive coverage underscores the government’s commitment to empowering consumers and enhancing the efficiency of the consumer grievance redressal system.” How eDaakhil works According to the press release, “eDaakhil ensures a paperless and transparent process with respect to the filing of cases. Any consumer or advocate can sign up on the e-Daakhil platforms with the required authentication by receiving an OTP on their registered cell phone or an activation link on their registered email address. They can then move on with filing a complaint. The portal has facilitated all aggrieved consumers to submit complaints to consumer commissions online in the comfort of their own homes, to pay the appropriate fees, and track the progress of the case online.” Source: Economic Times

09 Dec 2024 Consumer electronics giant OnePlus India Technology Pvt Ltd has been ordered to pay Rs 5,000 in compensation to a Bengaluru resident for not providing a user manual with his new mobile phone, along with Rs 1,000 for litigation costs. The Bengaluru I Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission termed the company’s actions ” sheer negligence and indifference, ” as reported by Times of India. The case stems from SM Ramesh, a Sanjay Nagar resident, who purchased a OnePlus Nord CE 3 mobile phone for Rs 24,598 on December 6, 2023. To his frustration, the package did not include a user manual, leaving him without detailed information on the phone’s features, warranty details, or the company’s address. Times of India reported that, despite the consumer’s repeated complaints, OnePlus remained unresponsive, finally delivering the manual in April 2024 —four months after the purchase. Dissatisfied, the consumer filed a legal complaint on June 3, alleging a “deficiency in service. “ OnePlus failed to appear at the hearings, prompting the commission to proceed ex parte. The court noted that the absence of a user manual caused mental agony and inconvenienced the customer, rendering OnePlus negligent. It underscored the manufacturer’s duty to provide essential documentation. The report said that on November 29, the court directed OnePlus to compensate the consumer Rs 5,000 for mental agony and Rs 1,000 for legal costs. The decision highlights the importance of providing customers with complete product information to avoid legal repercussions. Source: Indian Express

10 Dec 2024 The minister underscored the immense potential of India’s e-commerce sector, describing its future as bright and transformative. He stressed that while digital advancements offer vast opportunities, it’s vital for consumers to make informed decisions. “Our government believes it is equally important for our consumers to feel confident and make informed choices,” Joshi stated. Consumer Protection and E-commerce Growth Joshi warned of risks associated with the rapid expansion of e-commerce, particularly concerning consumer protection. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, multiple initiatives have been launched to create a trustworthy e- commerce environment. Rules now mandate online platforms to provide accurate product details, clear pricing, and disclose the country of origin. The minister pointed out that some platforms promote specific brands and deflect responsibility when complaints arise. His comments are significant as e-commerce giants face allegations of deep discounts and preferential treatment of sellers in India. Joshi emphasized that companies must prioritize consumer interests to build trust. India’s Economic Growth and E-commerce Joshi attributed India’s e-commerce momentum to strong economic growth, robust digital infrastructure, and affordable data. “Our consumer base is good…we are the fastest-growing economy of the world,” he noted. He predicted that India would soon become the third-largest economy globally, expanding its customer base significantly. The minister shared a personal anecdote about his wife’s experience with an online purchase. She ordered a sari but received a low-quality product, prompting her to file a complaint for a refund. Joshi urged companies to ensure consumers do not encounter such issues. Sustainability Initiatives in India India is making significant progress in sustainability by advancing renewable energy goals. Joshi mentioned that in 2014, India generated 75 gigawatts of renewable energy. Today, this figure has surpassed 212 gigawatts. The installed capacity exceeds 43%, with a target of 500 gigawatts by 2030. Joshi concluded by highlighting India’s commitment to renewable energy. By 2030, half of India’s energy needs will be met through renewable sources. This reflects the country’s dedication to sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint. Source: Good Returns