Has the number of pending consumer cases surged by 12,021 in 2025 so far?

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Has the number of pending consumer cases surged by 12,021 in 2025 so far?

Synopsis

As the number of pending consumer cases reaches alarming levels, a recent report reveals that complaints have risen by 12,021 in just seven months of 2025. With ongoing challenges in the consumer court system, how will these issues be addressed, and what does it mean for consumers seeking justice?

Key Takeaways

  • 12,021 new consumer complaints added in 2025.
  • Total consumer complaints filed this year: 76,318.
  • Complaints resolved: 64,297.
  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019 aims for quick resolutions.
  • 685 district consumer courts are currently operational.

New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) The tally of consumer complaints awaiting resolution in commissions and district fora nationwide has surged by 12,021 during the initial seven months of 2025, as reported to the Rajya Sabha. The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, B. L. Verma, stated in a written reply that a total of 76,318 consumer complaints have been lodged in courts across the nation up to July 22 this year.

During this timeframe, 64,297 consumer cases, which include those from previous years, were successfully resolved in consumer courts, according to the minister. This means that the number of new complaints registered this year exceeds the number of cases resolved by 12,021 as of July 22, 2025.

In response to inquiries from MPs Kavita Patidar and Manan Kumar Mishra regarding pending cases in consumer commissions, the MoS indicated that the total number of cases filed from 2022 to July 22 this year stands at 5.99 lakh.

Furthermore, the Minister noted that consumer courts have resolved approximately 5.91 lakh complaints from 2022 to July 22 this year, which also includes some backlog from prior years.

In 2024, 1,73,160 consumer complaints were submitted, while 1,58,290 cases, including backlog from previous years, were resolved, as per the data shared by the Minister.

The statistics for 2022 and 2023 indicate that 1,75,676 and 1,74,278 consumer cases were filed, respectively, with 1,82,870 and 1,85,777 cases being resolved during those years.

MoS Verma informed the Rajya Sabha that there are currently 685 operational district consumer courts across the country, in addition to 10 benches of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and 35 benches of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRC).

Uttar Pradesh hosts the highest number of district consumer fora, with 79 operational, followed by 48 in Madhya Pradesh, the MoS stated.

To expedite justice for consumers, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, specifies that no adjournment should typically be granted by consumer commissions unless a valid reason is documented in writing by the Commission.

Moreover, the act mandates that every complaint should be resolved as swiftly as possible, aiming to settle complaints without the need for commodity analysis within three months, and within five months if such analysis is required.

Point of View

I observe a concerning trend in consumer complaints pending resolution. The statistics reveal a growing backlog, which underscores the urgency for reform in the consumer justice system. The government must prioritize these issues to ensure consumer rights are protected effectively. It is imperative that we advocate for faster resolutions to restore trust in the system and uphold consumer rights nationwide.
NationPress
31/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current number of pending consumer complaints?
As of July 2025, the number of pending consumer complaints has increased by 12,021.
How many consumer complaints were filed in 2025?
A total of 76,318 consumer complaints were filed in courts across the country until July 22, 2025.
How many cases were resolved during the same period?
During the first seven months of 2025, 64,297 consumer cases were disposed of.
What is the significance of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aims to expedite the resolution of complaints and enhances the rights of consumers.
How many district consumer courts operate in India?
Currently, there are 685 district consumer courts functioning across the country.