The real estate sector, consumer courts across India are currently grappling with an unprecedented number of unresolved disputes. Government data reveals that as of July 31, 2024, a staggering 50,258 real estate cases remain pending in consumer forums. This figure highlights a significant backlog amidst growing consumer dissatisfaction in the real estate market.
According to a recent statement by the Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, the total number of cases filed in consumer courts has reached 2,44,813. Of these, 1,94,555 cases have been resolved, yet the remaining 50,258 cases underscore a persistent issue of delay and inefficiency within the judicial process. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial system consisting of district, state, and central consumer commissions, aims to facilitate expeditious resolution of consumer disputes. This Act mandates a streamlined adjudication process designed to ensure swift redressal, including provisions for virtual hearings and deemed admissibility of complaints if not addressed within a stipulated timeframe.
Under Section 38(7) of the Act, complaints are required to be resolved as promptly as possible. Specifically, cases that do not necessitate the analysis or testing of commodities should be decided within three months from the receipt of notice by the opposing party, while those requiring such analysis are to be resolved within five months. The introduction of the e-Daakhil portal across 35 states and Union Territories is intended to ease the process by allowing consumers to file complaints online, thereby simplifying access to justice.
However, despite these technological advancements and procedural reforms, the volume of pending cases suggests that further measures may be necessary to address the inefficiencies and expedite the resolution process. This ongoing backlog not only reflects operational challenges within the consumer justice system but also highlights the pressing need for reforms to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanisms.
