#Natural justice in consumer disputes

Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission rules that issuing evidence directions at the preliminary stage-without affording parties an opportunity to be heard-violates natural justice principles under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The decision reinforces procedural safeguards for complainants and opposite parties, ensuring fair adjudication before evidence is directed.

Rajasthan High Court holds that Consumer Commissions cannot dismiss complaints under Section 38(3)(c) of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 without adjudicating merits, as it violates principles of natural justice. The ruling mandates that procedural defaults cannot override substantive rights, ensuring complainants get a fair hearing.