Section 51 of CPA : Section 51: Appeal To National Commission

Explanation using Example

Imagine that Mr. Sharma purchased a refrigerator from a local electronics store. After a few months, the refrigerator began malfunctioning. Despite multiple repair attempts, the issue persisted. Mr. Sharma filed a complaint with the State Consumer Commission, claiming the refrigerator was defective and seeking a refund or replacement.

The State Commission ruled in favor of Mr. Sharma, ordering the electronics store to refund the purchase price. However, the store owner believed the decision was unjust and decided to appeal.

Under Section 51 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the store owner filed an appeal with the National Consumer Commission within thirty days of the State Commission's order. To do so, the owner had to deposit fifty percent of the refund amount as per the State Commission's order. This deposit was a precondition for the National Commission to entertain the appeal.

The store owner's appeal claimed that the State Commission had overlooked a legal principle relevant to the case. The National Commission agreed to hear the appeal, acknowledging that it involved a substantial question of law, and proceeded to deliberate on that specific legal issue.