• The consumer affairs ministry said it is working on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce the pendency of cases in various consumer courts in the country.

• The National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has successfully resolved 854 cases during August, the highest disposal rate in the current year.

• NCDRC and the Department of Consumer Affairs successfully resolved 854 consumer cases in August, whereas the filing of cases during the same period was 455.

• NCDRC has significantly improved the disposal of consumer cases in the commission in 2023.

• This was possible due to proactive steps taken by the NCDRC, streamlined processes and advanced technology like E-Daakhil, which helped resolve cases faster than ever before.

• As the scope of AI is increasing rapidly, the ministry is working on using the AI facilities in reducing the pendency of cases in the National, State and District Consumer Commissions.

• The case filed in the Consumer Commissions will be analysed through AI and will generate the summary of the case and many more actions will be done through AI in resolving the case.

What is the purpose of NCDRC?

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 came into force in July 2020 with the government notifying rules for its implementation. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. 

• The new Act empowers consumers and helps them in protecting their rights through various provisions like Consumer Protection Councils, Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, Mediation, Product Liability and punishment for manufacture or sale of products containing adulterants or spurious goods.

• The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery that has been set up at district, state and national level for better protection of the interests of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes.

• NCDRC was set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. 

• Its head office is in New Delhi.

• If a consumer is not satisfied by the decision of a District Forum, he/she can appeal to the State Commission. The consumer can move a petition to the National Commission against the order of the State Commission. 

• The NCDRC is the apex body for redressal of consumer grievances. 

• It is headed by a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court of India and has seven members.

• A selection committee recommends names of candidates for appointment as members from amongst the applicants in order of merit for the consideration of the central government. The Centre seeks approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet after scrutiny.

• Members of NCDRC shall hold office for a period of five years. The term of appointment is, however, subject to the maximum age limit of 67 years.

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