Consumer forums aren't for everyone

Goods and services provided without any consideration are out of ambit of Consumer Protection Act; investors, too, cannot approach a forum

Approaching consumer forums can get tricky at times. In cases where the law is not clearly defined, each forum takes a different call depending on circumstances of the case. Recently, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) gave an order that brought the government’s free medical services within the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act. The central government rushed to the Supreme Court and got a stay on the NCDRC’s order.

“Anything absolutely free, without consideration, is out of the ambit of Consumer Protection Act. But if there’s a government hospital which admits patients for paid medical service and gives free