An Empirical Study on Solution to Address the Issues of Consumer Dispute Redressal Agencies

Abstract

The perception of advocates and lawyers towards the CPA 2019 consumer grievance redressal mechanism in Delhi-NCR was investigated in this section of the study. For determining the extent of the respondent advocates' and lawyers' opinions and concerns about the current consumer dispute redressal procedure followed at consumer dispute redressal agencies, the legal framework, and other related issues, extensive discussions were conducted with them using Multi Dimensional Scaling Technique. The research traced out some important remedies based on the scores of advocates. Two most important measures to streamline the functioning and remove hurdles before consumer forums were ‘Timely and fair selection of judiciary’ and ‘improving availability of funds’ respectively. These two solutions will possibly help in dismantling the roots of bribery reduce the burden of consumer forums, consequently, help in providing fair and speedy redressal.  Two least important measures suggested by advocates were ‘Strengthening Penalty and Compensation Framework’ and ‘Provision of training before hiring of secretarial staff’ respectively. Advocates certainly looked biased by these measures because these measures can improve the functioning of forums thereby reducing the utility of advocates at consumer forums. ‘Availability of adequate infrastructure for consumer redressal agencies’ and ‘expansion of judiciary authority’ were moderately important remedies suggested by advocates. Advocates seem to be comfortable with related problems to these measures.