Consumer case backlog in Keralam rises to 26,668; district commissions see sharp jump in pendency
A report submitted to the Supreme Court reveals a significant backlog of over 26,000 consumer cases in Kerala, with district commissions struggling to keep up with new filings. The data highlights systemic issues, including unfilled vacancies and aging cases dating back to the 1990s.
Why it matters
It exposes the inefficiency of the consumer redressal system, which delays justice for citizens seeking resolution for grievances.
Keralam’s consumer dispute redressal system is grappling with a mounting backlog, with 26,668 cases pending before the State and district consumer commissions, according to a status report submitted by the amicus curiae before the Supreme Court.
The report, filed recently in connection with a suo moto case concerning vacancies and inadequate infrastructure in consumer commissions in each State, reveals that the backlog before Keralam’s district commissions has surged by nearly 76% since December 2023, and was nearly twice that of Karnataka and more than six times that of Tamil Nadu.
Of the total pending cases in Keralam, 22,270 were before district consumer commissions and 4,398 before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission as of July 31.
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