[BREAKING] All vacancies in State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions to be filled within 8 weeks: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today directed for vacancies in State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions in all states and union territories to be filled within a period of eight weeks..While doing so, the Bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy observed,"When legislature mandates, sanction or no sanction does not matter. We are not giving extensions. Enough time was given to set houses in order. Time will be fixed now.".The Court thus passed the following directions to states and UTs:1. Some of the states have not notified Rules under Section 44 of the Consumer Protection Act. We direct all state secretaries to notify the Rules in two weeks from today.2. States are still dilly-dallying notifying the Rules; if Rules are not notified in two weeks, then model Rules made by Centre will automatically apply for the respective Commission.3. In view of the large number of vacancies, we direct that all existing and potential vacancies be advertised if not done so within two weeks4. It appears some states and UTs have not set up selection committees. The states are directed to set up such committees within four weeks from today.5. All vacancies in State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions should be filled by all 30 states and UTs within a maximum period of 8 weeks from today..The Court passed these directions in its suo motu case regarding the inaction of state governments in appointing the Chairperson, members and respective staff of various District and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions across India..Today, the Court noted that as per Section 42 of the Consumer Protection Act, each State Commission is to consist of a Chairman and not less than four members."This is is a legislative mandate and if the number has to be more than four, then only such numbers be prescribed in consultation with Centre. if state feels number should be four, then that cannot be the reason to derail the appointment of Chairman and the mandated four members," the Bench stated in its order..On the topic of infrastructure, the Court noted that most of the affidavits were presented last minute. "We are unwilling to countenance the last-minute submissions. We direct that updated position of these aspects should be furnished to the amicus within 10 days from today."