Prashant Sinha vs The State of Bihar and Others

This writ petition is in the nature of Public Interest Litigation. The grievance is with regard to the vacancies in District Consumer Fora in the State of Bihar. It is alleged that out of 38 District Consumer Fora, only 25 are functional. We wanted to know the present status of the District Consumer Fora in the State from the Advocate General. He submits that the President in 36 District Consumer Fora have been appointed. He further submits that all vacancies (Presidents as well as Members) in the District Fora (38 in number) shall be filled up by 30th September, 2008.

Although, we appreciate the gesture now shown by the State Government through the Advocate General that all vacancies in 38 District Consumer Fora shall be filled up by 30th September, 2008 but it would have been indeed desirable, had the State Government taken the steps for filling up the posts in District Consumer Fora without waiting for this litigation. It is very important to understand that by not making District Consumer Fora functional, the rights of consumers have been jeopardized. The State Government has to be serious in this regard. If there was any difference of opinion between the State Government and the President, State Consumer Commission, regarding some names, it should have been resolved by a dialogue. But, this impasse is not good for proper implementation of the Consumers Protection Laws in the State.

Be that as it may, now since the Advocate General has undertaken on behalf of the State Government that all vacancies in 38 District Consumer Fora will be filled up by 30th September, 2008 we do not intend to deal with the matter any further. The writ petition stands disposed of accordingly.