By Bhamy V. Shenoy,  Founding President, Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP)

We often read about interesting judgements from District, State and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions against banks, insurance companies, real estate firms and online shopping platforms. These judgements create the impression of a vibrant consumer movement at both National and State levels. However, the reality is far from encouraging.

Statistics from the Karnataka State Consumer Redressal Commission’s website (as of November 2024) highlight the grim state of consumer protection.

According to the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) of 2019 (originally enacted in 1986), cases filed with Redressal Commissions should be resolved within 90 days. Unfortunately, only a few meet this timeline.

For 56 percent of cases, it has taken more than 150 days to reach a decision, violating the very essence of COPRA, which advocates quick resolutions with minimal adjournments and without the need for lawyers.

The State Government’s lack of prioritisation in protecting consumers is evident in the delay in filling vacancies in Consumer Forums. The State Commission currently lacks a President and 11 out of 34 District Forums are without Presidents. In Mysuru, the President of the Chamarajanagar Forum is serving in an officiating capacity.

Even after judgements are delivered, execution remains a significant challenge. Since the inception of Consumer Forums in 1989, there have been 4,559 execution requests in Karnataka, of which only 2,959 (65 percent) have been carried out.

Mysuru stats

In Mysuru, as of November 2024, 383 cases remain pending. These include 18 cases in the banking sector, 67 in insurance and 137 in the private housing sector. No cases are pending in telecom.

Other sectors like railways, airlines, postal services, government housing, electricity, medical services, household goods, education, road transport, and e-commerce have pending cases in single digits. What do these low numbers signify?

This could indicate either a lack of issues in these sectors or, more likely, a reluctance to file cases due to delays in resolution and the Civil Court-like adjudication process, which contradicts the spirit of COPRA.

Additionally, consumer awareness about COPRA remains low. Past surveys by MGP (Mysore Grahakara Parishat) revealed that less than 25 percent of people are aware of the Act.

Decline in consumer movement

This year marks a significant decline in consumer movement activities in Mysuru. For the first time in 30 years, no events have been held by consumer NGOs or the Food and Civil Supplies Department to observe National Consumer Day.

Even at the State-level, there has been no news of the Government commemorating the day, even in a symbolic manner. Thankfully, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is observing the day by discussing ways to ensure effective execution of Consumer Commission orders and improve the justice delivery system.

Consumer rights have deep historical roots. In 1962, US President John F. Kennedy introduced a Bill to protect consumer rights, later championed by Ralph Nader, considered the Father of the Consumer Movement in the US.

In India, Chanakya’s Arthashastra emphasised consumer rights, underscoring their historical significance. Unfortunately, despite this legacy, consumer rights in India are being sidelined, particularly in the era of increasing commercialisation.

Pre-occupied Schools

To revive the consumer movement, youth involvement is essential. Efforts by MGP to engage students from Schools and Colleges this year have been unsuccessful, as institutions are preoccupied with Annual Day celebrations and exams. Some have promised to organise Consumer Day events in January, and we hope they keep their word.

MGP also organised a meeting with Education Department officials, aiming to encourage schools to promote awareness of consumer rights. Hopefully, some schools will take the initiative to educate students on this critical issue.

On this National Consumer Day, I urge consumers to join consumer NGOs and actively participate in making consumers the true kings in the private sector and masters in the public sector. Together, we can build a robust and vibrant consumer movement in Mysuru.