Pune: Maharashtra Govt Bars Local Residents, Practicing Lawyers from Holding Posts in Consumer Commission

Pune, 20th September 2025: The Maharashtra government has issued an ordinance introducing new eligibility rules for appointments in the Consumer Commission. As per the decision, a native resident of a district cannot be appointed as chairman or member of the commission in that district. In addition, lawyers will not be allowed to hold these posts in the districts where they have previously practiced.

Officials said the move is aimed at bringing more transparency to the functioning of the commission, which hears disputes related to defective services and unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commission, established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and restructured under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, functions as a quasi-judicial body delivering justice to aggrieved consumers.

Reactions to the decision have been mixed. Advocates and consumer rights groups expressed differing views on its impact.

“This is a welcome decision by the state government. However, attention must also be given to improving basic facilities in the Consumer Commission. Clearing the backlog of pending claims is equally important for ensuring timely justice,” said Advocate Mahendra Dalalkar, President of the Consumer Protection Foundation.

Raising concerns, Advocate Dnyanraj Sant, Vice President of the Consumer Advocate Association, Pune, said, “The decision will harm both consumers and lawyers. The government should not rush to implement it. In October 2022, chairpersons and members were appointed for four-year terms. This decision should take effect only after their tenure ends.”