Delhi LG’s Move to Speed Up Consumer Dispute Resolution
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor has approved a significant amendment, classifying banking, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and gas supply services as public utilities. This crucial decision, effective immediately, will empower Permanent Lok Adalats to efficiently handle consumer disputes in these sectors.
The move aims to drastically reduce the time and cost associated with resolving consumer grievances. Currently, these cases often face lengthy delays and high legal costs, burdening both consumers and the judicial system.
By bringing these services under the Lok Adalat purview, the Delhi government hopes to provide quicker, more affordable justice to citizens. This is expected to significantly decongest the city’s already overburdened courts.
The inclusion of financial services and gas supply is particularly timely, given the increasing number of consumer complaints in these sectors. This initiative promises a more accessible and efficient dispute resolution mechanism for Delhi’s residents, setting a potential precedent for other states.
