Over 50,000 Real Estate Disputes Pending in Consumer Courts, Says Government

Government data reveals that over 50,000 real estate-related cases are pending in consumer courts. Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs B L Verma shared these details in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

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According to the data, a total of 2,44,813 cases have been filed in consumer courts at national, state, and district levels. Out of these, 1,94,555 cases have been resolved, leaving 50,258 cases pending as of July 31, 2024.

Consumer Protection Act and Its Provisions

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial system at district, state, and central levels. These are known as Consumer Commissions and aim to protect consumer rights and provide quick dispute resolution.

The Act simplifies the adjudication process in consumer commissions. It allows consumers to file complaints in these commissions and enables virtual hearings. Complaints are deemed admissible if not decided within 21 days of filing.

Case Disposal Timelines

Section 387 of the Consumer Protection Act mandates that complaints should be resolved as quickly as possible. Efforts should be made to decide complaints within three months if no analysis or testing is needed and within five months if such procedures are required.

The e-Daakhil portal has been introduced in 35 states/UTs. This portal allows aggrieved consumers to file online complaints with various consumer commissions from anywhere in India.

"The Consumer Protection Act provides for simplification of the adjudication process in the consumer commissions; filing of a complaint by a consumer in the consumer commission; virtual hearing; deemed admissibility of complaints if admissibility is not decided within 21 days of filing," Verma stated.

These measures aim to ensure that consumer disputes are addressed efficiently and effectively. The government continues to monitor the situation closely to improve the resolution process further.