Consumers can file plaints online without a lawyer

Mysuru: Consumers can now submit complaints to the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission online without needing a lawyer, said A.K. Naveenkumari, President of the Mysuru District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Also, consumers can argue their case before the Commission.

Speaking at a meeting organised by Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) last evening at its office on Vivekananda Road, Yadavagiri, she explained the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and addressed consumer grievances.

Consumers who have faced injustice can file complaints online, with no specific format required. Complaints regarding defective or substandard goods purchased online are also accepted.

Naveenkumari recommended that consumers record a video while unpacking online purchases to serve as evidence in case of issues like poor quality or incorrect items. These videos can be easily recorded using mobile phones, she added.

Jurisdiction and complaint filing

The District Consumer Commission handles complaints related to goods and services valued up to Rs. 50 lakh. Complaints must be filed within two years of detecting a defect or deficiency. The Commission also addresses grievances related to hospitals, insurance and other service sectors.

“When I assumed office as the Commission’s President in 2022, there were 840 pending cases. That number has now reduced to 339, and we are striving to resolve cases more swiftly,” Naveenkumari said in response to questions from attendees.

Need for greater consumer awareness

Former MGP President Raghavendra raised concerns about the lack of consumer awareness programmes. “Many consumers are unaware of the procedures to seek justice. The Commission should direct the Information and Public Relations Department to effectively organise awareness campaigns,” he suggested.

Naveenkumari acknowledged the need for wider publicity of the Commission’s decisions to enhance consumer awareness. She emphasised that publicising cases where suppliers were fined for defective products would encourage consumers to seek justice.

“For instance, if a retailer charges even Rs. 1 more than the MRP for a product, consumers have the right to file a complaint,” she said. She further noted that legal action can be taken against retailers who overcharge consumers, reinforcing the Commission’s role in protecting consumer rights.

Insurance reimbursement denied

During the meeting, a woman shared her experience of being denied reimbursement by an insurance company. She had taken a medical insurance policy three years ago, but despite her husband’s pre-existing disability and recent hospitalisation, their claim was rejected.

In response, Naveenkumari advised her to file a complaint online, assuring that the Commission would investigate the rejection.

Unresolved JnNURM funds issue

MGP Member D.V. Dayanand Sagar raised an issue regarding the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM). He stated that in 2009, funds were collected from residents of Ward No. 6 (now Ward 31) in Gokulam, Mysuru, for development under the scheme.

While additional Government funding was promised, it was never sanctioned. He revealed that Rs. 1,36,114 remains in the bank account of Zone 4’s Zonal Commissioner and has not been refunded or utilised for Ward development.

He inquired whether the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission could intervene. In response, Naveenkumari advised him to submit a formal complaint along with supporting documents.

The meeting was attended by MGP’s Founding President Bhamy V. Shenoy, Working President Shobhana Sambashivan, Members Nataraj, Bhanu Prashanth, Prabha Nandish and Malavika Gubbivani and others.