New Delhi: The Supreme Court slammed the state governments today for not filling up vacancies in District and Consumer forums and ordered them to do so within eight weeks. "Some muhurat required for taking steps? We just want persons in positions. States are defeating laws enacted for welfare of people. What is purpose of creating posts and not manning them?" asked the court.
Court asked the states to notify rules under Section 44 of the Consumer Protection Act within two weeks and advertise the vacancies as well in two weeks time. Selection committees have to be set up within four weeks as per the court's orders.
"We direct that updated position of these aspects should be furnished to the amicus within 10 days," ordered the court. The bench comprising of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Hrishikesh Roy was hearing a suo moto case on inaction of states in appointing chairpersons, members and staff in District and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
Centre has also been directed to fill the vacancies in National Consumer Commissions. There are seven vacancies to be filled. "If we have asked the states to fill vacancies we must ask the Centre too. You raise hopes, aspirations that grievances of public will be addressed and then you have to go by it," said the court.
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