4-wks to fill vacancies in consumer forum, protection council

The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to fill up vacant posts in the state and district consumer forums as well as consumer protection council within four weeks.
A division bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and S C Gupte was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO 'Mumbai Grahak Panchayat' working towards rights of consumers.
The court was today informed that eight out of 40 posts for President are lying vacant in district consumer forums and 24 out of 80 posts for members are lying vacant. It was also informed that the government is yet to appoint non official members for the state and district consumer protection council.

"We direct the state government to expeditiously fill up all vacant posts. The process shall be completed within four weeks," the court said.
The government today submitted a list of 28 names nominated to fill up posts of non-official members in the council.
The court was, however, miffed after it noticed that the government has not nominated anyone from NGOs like the petitioner and the Consumer Guidance Society of India.
"What are the credentials and track record of these persons who you (government) have nominated ? This is not some distribution of largesses among political parties. The role of the non-official members in these consumer protection councils are very important. Due regard has to be made to their credentials," the court said.

"It seems like the government wants people who will not work like them. The non official members perform a vital role in protection of consumer rights. The whole purpose of having the members is defeated if their selection is done in such a casual manner," Justice Chandrachud said.