District Commission Cannot Accept Written Version Beyond Statutory 45-Day Period: Tamil Nadu State Commission

The Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chennai, set aside an order of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chennai (South), which had accepted the written version of the opposite party beyond the statutory period of 45 days prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The State Commission held that the timeline for filing a written version is mandatory and not directory, and consumer forums lack the jurisdiction to condone delays beyond the maximum period stipulated by law.

It reiterated that adherence to strict timelines is essential to ensure expeditious disposal of consumer disputes and that any acceptance of pleadings beyond the statutory limit defeats the object of the Act.