Provisions of the Consumer Court:

(i) District Courts or Forums have been set up in every district. Approximately, 571 District Courts-Forums are working throughout to the Country. These courts have been given power to decide compensation claim upto? 20 Lakh. The application can be filed by paying the prescribed fees. A party dissatisfied with the decision can file an appeal with the State Commission within 30 days by depositing 50% of the claim amount or? 25,000, whichever is less.

(ii) The State Commission has been established in all states and the Union Territories. It has been given power to decide compensation claims between? 20 lakh and 1 crores. It consists of a five-member bench. It is expected to decide the case within 90 days of filing case. A party dissatisfied with the decision can file an appeal with the National Commission within 30 days by depositing 50% of the claim amount or ? 35,000 whichever is less.

(iii) The National Commission is the apex consumer court in India. It consists of a bench of five members. It has been given the power to decide compensation claims above X 1 crore. It is expected to decide the case within 30 days of filing case. A party, either applicant or respondent, dissatisfied with the decision can file a review petition with the Supreme Court of India by depositing 50% of the compensation claim amount of? 50,000 whichever is less.

[Note: A consumer court can order fine or imprisonment for non-compliance of its order. People below poverty – line, handicapped persons and senior citizens have been exempted from payment of fees under the prescribed conditions. They are also provided free legal aid by the District Free Legal Service.]