The National Consumer Disputes Commission has called upon the consumer forums to exercise the power to cross examine witnesses and parties sparingly to dispose of cases faster. The call was made in the recent judgment in the Con Decor vs Smritikana Ghose case where the company complained that it was not given the right to cross-examine the commissioner appointed by the district forum.
A complaint was made by a consumer against the company alleging deficiency in service. Since there was a dispute over the quantity and quality of the work performed, the district forum appointed a commissioner to inquire into the facts of the case. She confirmed the complaint.
The company appealed against the appointment of the commissioner. It also complained that it was not given an opportunity to cross-examine the commissioner. The forum, however, allowed the complaint and asked the company to pay compensation. The state commission dismissed its appeal. The national commission, in its judgment, examined the right to cross-examine witnesses in consumer courts and cautioned the forums that it should not normally be resorted to.
The judgment said:
