Delhi HC issues notice in plea to fill up vacancies in Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice in a petition seeking directions to fill up vacancies in the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Rahul Chauhan vs GNCTD)..Notice to the Delhi Government was issued by a Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan in the petition preferred by Advocate Rahul Chauhan.. Appearing in-person, the Petitioner informed the Court that with the retirement of Member OP Gupta on the previous day, there were as many as three vacancies at the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. .He asserted that leaving aside the vacancy created by the superannuation of Member Gupta, the other seats have remained vacant for the last two years. .Chauhan thus stressed that an interim order should be passed to extend the tenure of Member Gupta in the interest of justice. .While the Court expressed its inability to extend the tenure of a judicial member after he has retired, the Delhi Government said that extension of term, in this case, was put-off-question as the Member concerned had already attained the age of 67 years. .The Delhi Government stated that it has already issued an advertisement to fill up the three vacancies at the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and that the process of appointment would be completed soon. .Nonetheless, the Court directed Delhi Government to file an affidavit/report before the next date of hearing, inter alia, pointing out the time schedule for making appointments to the posts for which the advertisement has been issued..The matter would be heard next on August 31. .Standing Counsel Ramesh Singh appeared for the Delhi Government. .Earlier this year, Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had tendered her resignation to join as the President of the State Commission. .Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal to join Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission as its President.Read the order: