Consumer commission can condone delay for filing written version up to 15 days only: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that consumer commission has no jurisdiction to condone the delay for filing opposite parties’ written version beyond the prescribed period for 15 days mention in the consumer protection act 2019.Before the national consumer dispute Redressal commission (NCDRC) in this case, the opposite party filed written statement (version) beyond the period of 45 days. The commission refused to condone the delay by observing thus: “time for filing the written version as provided under section 13 (1) (a) of the consumer protection act, 1986 now replaced by section 38(2)(a) of the consumer protection act,2019 which is in force since 20/24.07.2020 has expired. This commission does not have the power to condone the delay beyond 30+15 days as provided in the statute. Right of opposite party No.2 to file the written version stands closed”.

Case Title: ANTRIKSH DEVELOPERS AND PROMOTERS PRIVATE LIMITED & ANR.  VERSUS KUTUMB WELFARE SOCIETY (REGD.) & ANR.