The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday directed all State governments to promptly pay the salaries and allowances to the Chairpersons and other members of the State and District Consumer Disputes Resolution Commissions (DCDRC and SCDRC). The court was hearing a batch of connected cases regarding the non-payment of salaries and allowances to these members.
A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and N. Kotiswar Singh emphasized the seriousness of the issue and warned that if the Government of India failed to find a solution, the court would consider using its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The matter is scheduled for a further hearing on April 8.
In the previous hearing on January 7, the Supreme Court had asked the Central government to decide on the suggestion to amend the Consumer Protection (Salary, allowances, and conditions of service of President and Members of the State and District Commission) Model Rules, 2020, by the end of February. However, during today’s proceedings, the court was informed that in some states, salaries and allowances were not being paid according to the prevailing rules.
The Central government, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K.M. Nataraj, requested two weeks’ time to address the matter. The Court reiterated that salaries and perquisites should be paid to the Presidents and Members of the commissions immediately as per the applicable rules. If there is non-compliance, the concerned parties can file a note with the appointed amicus curiae, allowing the court to take appropriate action.
Senior Advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and Aditya Narayan appeared as amicus curiae in the case.