ORDER
1. Grave difficulties being faced by Consumer Forums at the district and State levels have been highlighted in this petition which concerns the State of Uttar Pradesh. It appears that forums created under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 have become non-functional due to an attitude of complete indifference of the State. The very object with which these forums were constituted is getting totally frustrated at the cost of the litigant public.
2. We are informed that as early as in October 1999 a meeting had been convened of the Presidents of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions to assess the requirements of the Consumer Fora at the district and State levels taking into account the workload as was existing in 1999 and was expected to rise in future. Certain resolutions were passed at that meeting. On the basis of those resolutions a report was submitted to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, by Shri S.P. Bagla. A copy of that report has been annexed to the intervention application (IA No. 6 of 2001). We would like to know from the State Government what action, if any, has been taken on the recommendations made by the Bagla Committee.
3. An affidavit had been filed on 4-1-2001 in response to our order dated 11-12-2000 by the Special Secretary, Department of Food and Civil Supplies, State of Uttar Pradesh. We are not satisfied with the steps so far taken as mentioned in that affidavit. Mr Dwivedi, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the State of Uttar Pradesh submits that certain further steps have been taken after the filing of the affidavit and that by the next date, he shall be in a position to state comprehensively, through an affidavit, as to what effective steps have been taken to make the Consumer Forums functional in the State. We grant him four weeks' time to file the requisite affidavit in which action, if any, taken on the Bagla Committee Report shall also be completely spelt out.
4. The personal presence of the Principal Secretary, State of Uttar Pradesh is not dispensed with until further orders.
5. On 13-3-2000, keeping in view the controversy involved in the case, which possibly concerns Consumer Forums and Tribunals functioning throughout the country, we had requested the learned Solicitor-General also to seek instructions and assist the Court. We are informed by learned counsel for the respondent that a copy of the petition has since been furnished to the learned Solicitor-General. Mr Harish N. Salve, learned Solicitor-General is, however, not present today. The Registry shall notify him to enable him to seek appropriate instructions in the matter and assist the Court on the next date of hearing.
6. List after four weeks.
Court Masters
From the Judgment and Order dated 8-10-1998 in CMWP No. 968 of 1997 of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.