Summary:

• Supreme Court pushes for improved E-filing at consumer courts.
• NCDRC President Justice AP Sahi to assist via video conferencing.
• Hearing set for July 19.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice on a plea demanding more efficient E-filing facilities at the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and various State Commissions.

The court has also requested the virtual presence of NCDRC President, Justice AP Sahi, for the next hearing to provide insights on enhancing the E-filing system.

The petitioner’s counsel highlighted that physical filing is still required at the NCDRC even after E-filing. Additionally, many state commissions are not consistently following the E-filing procedures, which complicates the process for consumers seeking justice.

Key Points:

1. Supreme Court Notice: The bench, consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued a notice on the petition. They emphasized the need for a streamlined E-filing process across consumer courts.
2. Virtual Assistance: The court has requested Justice AP Sahi to assist in the next hearing via video conferencing to provide administrative insights, clarifying that this request is not adversarial but purely for improving the system.
3. Next Hearing: The matter will be heard on July 19, with the court aiming to enhance access to justice through better E-filing procedures.

The court’s decision comes in light of various issues raised by the petitioner, highlighting the broader aspect of access to justice for consumers.

The Supreme Court stressed the importance of modernizing the judiciary and ensuring that E-filing systems are effectively implemented and followed.

By addressing these concerns, the Supreme Court aims to make consumer courts more accessible and efficient, ensuring that the process of seeking redressal is smooth and hassle-free for everyone.