In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 read with rule

## Policy Analysis Report: Appointment to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs, published in the Gazette of India on July 15, 2021. This notification pertains to the appointment of members to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). The core purpose is to appoint individuals to the post of Member within the NCDRC. The key finding is the appointment of two individuals, with specific conditions and timelines attached to their appointments. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a government notification regarding appointments to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). The analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification published in the Gazette of India on July 15, 2021. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy announcement, specifically a notification of appointments under existing legislation. * **Core Objective:** To appoint qualified individuals to the position of Member within the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to ensure its proper functioning. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a New Policy, the likely problem/issue the policy addresses is the need to fill vacancies within the NCDRC. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, establishes the NCDRC to handle consumer disputes. To ensure the NCDRC can fulfill its mandate effectively, qualified individuals must be appointed to the Member positions. This notification addresses this need. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As a New Policy, the main provisions are: * The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by Section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and relevant rules, appoints members to the NCDRC. * Two individuals are appointed: * Sh. Karuna Nand Bajpayee (Judicial Member) – Joined on 29.06.2021 * The appointment is for a period of four years from the date of assumption of charge, until attaining the age of 67 years, or until further orders, whichever is earliest. * The appointment of one member is subject to the outcome of Writ Petition No. 15732020 filed in the Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * The appointed members (Sh. Karuna Nand Bajpayee). * The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). * The Department of Consumer Affairs. * Potentially, parties involved in Writ Petition No. 15732020. * Consumers who rely on the NCDRC for dispute resolution. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs) is responsible for the appointment. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is also involved, having approved the appointments. * **Timelines:** * The appointments are effective from the date of assumption of charge. * The term is for four years, until the age of 67, or until further orders, whichever is earliest. * The starting date of one member's appointment is explicitly stated. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes are: * To ensure the NCDRC is adequately staffed to handle consumer disputes effectively. * To provide a functioning mechanism for consumer dispute resolution as mandated by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. * The impact of the appointment of one member is contingent on the outcome of the writ petition, creating some uncertainty. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies the appointment of members to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), an important body for consumer protection in India. The appointments aim to bolster the commission's capacity to address consumer grievances and uphold the principles of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The notification's significance lies in ensuring the NCDRC can continue to function effectively and provide timely redressal to consumers. However, the conditional nature of one appointment introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding the long-term composition of the NCDRC.

Key Entities Referenced