Minister K.H. Muniyappa speaking during the inauguration of a permanent circuit bench of the consumer redressal tribunal in Belagavi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: P.K. Badiger

Additional benches of the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (KSCDRC) will help expedite justice delivery, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs K.H. Muniyappa said in Belagavi on Wednesday.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the permanent circuit bench of the KSCDRC at K.H. Patil Bhavan, Auto Nagar, here.

“Establishment of such a bench in Belagavi is a part of our commitment towards strengthening consumer protection. It will help swifter customer dispute resolution and justice to consumers. It will also work as a deterrent against common malpractices like overpricing, service deficiencies, product quality, misleading advertisements or unfair trade practices,” the Minister said.

The new bench, established under the Consumer Protection Act, will provide citizens with easier access to justice and faster resolution of consumer disputes. The commission will hear cases related to defective goods, deficient services, and unfair trade practices, among others, Mr. Muniyappa said.

“People of North Karnataka were forced to travel to Bengaluru seeking redressal of their grievances. This will save them time, money and other resources,” he said.

“It will benefit not only Belagavi but also other districts in the region,” he added.

Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and H.K. Patil along with MLC Hanamantha Nirani graced the occasion. Chairman Ravi Shankar and members of the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission were present.

The event was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the district administration and the Belagavi District Advocates Association.

Mr. Patil, who is Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism, said that the bench will also help resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He said that such a bench is highly essential for North Karnataka and thanked the Chief Minister, Mr. Muniyappa, Mr. Jarkiholi and officers concerned for establishing the bench.

He urged the commission members to function effectively and ensure that cases are resolved quickly without unnecessary delays. He also urged them to see that pendency is reduced.

The Law Minister pointed out that over 2,000 cases related to Consumer Protection Act are pending in Belagavi district alone. He said that there is a need for some amendments to ensure quicker resolution to such disputes and that the government will work towards them.

Mr. Jarkiholi said that the lack of a proper office space earlier led to a delay in establishing the bench. He said that the State government will provide all necessary facilities and manpower for the bench.

He said that members of the local Bar Association and some residents of the district were agitating for the bench for over four years.

“Belagavi is a growing district and we will try to get additional infrastructure facilities in the coming years,” he said.

BJP MP Jagadish Shettar regretted the delay in establishing the bench. He urged the State government to ensure that members of the commission are appointed without delay.

“We have seen that some consumer disputes drag on for over 10 years. Such situations should not arise in future. The bench should restore the faith of the people in the system,” the MP said.

He also urged the State government to create awareness among consumers about their rights.

Commission members, legislators, Bar Association members and others were present.