"we want to protect the processes that has been started," Supreme Court in Suo-Moto matter over filling up vacancies District and State Consumer Forums

The Supreme Court has today directed the States to continue with the process of appointments in a suo-moto matter over the issue of the inaction of Governments in appointing the Presidents & Members of Districts & State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions & Inadequate Infrastructure across India.

A divisional bench of Justice SK Kaul and Justice MM Sundresh said, "This problem is in both the central and state level, the High Court should not derail the process of other states."

The bench was hearing the matter over the issue concerning the order passed by the Nagpur Bench coming in way of the order passed by the Supreme Court.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sanakarnarayanan submitted that "the states now say that sorry we were about to make appointments but as there is an order from Nagpur bench we can not."

Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi submitted that we have filed an SLP regarding the concerned High Court order.

The Court said, "The appointment is a more important issue, we want to protect the processes that have been started.

Whereas, the bench noted, "The question is whether the process that has been initiated in pursuance to our order in different states should be kept in abeyance in view of the HC order, in our view the process must continue."

Justice Kaul orally said that it seems as if Government is on the side of ending tribunals, It seems it has worked in a limited way, this is a matter of discussion for some other day.

The bench has listed the matter for further hearing on November 11, 2021.

Case Title: SMW - Inaction of governments in appointing President & Members of Districts & State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions & Inadequate Infrastructure across India Vs UOI