Telecom disputes are maintainable in consumer court

National Commission observed that disputes with telecom operators are maintainable as they are service providers and awarded Rs 25,000 for internet connectivity issues

D P Sharma had a broadband  connection from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).  Since it remained inoperative for 27 days, he filed a complaint before the Jaipur District Forum seeking compensation. BSNL contested it, challenging its maintainability under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

The Forum relied on the Supreme Court (SC) judgement in General Manager, Telecom, versus M Krishnan & Anr, where it had been held that a dispute between a telegraph authority and consumer does not fall within the purview of the CPA. It has to be resolved through statutory arbitration as provided under the Indian Telegraph