Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Protection Act 2019: Pecuniary Jurisdiction Based on Consideration Is Valid.
Fixing Pecuniary Jurisdiction Based on Value of Consideration Is Constitutional: Supreme Court Introduction In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutional validity of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019's provisions regarding pecuniary jurisdiction. The judgment clarifies that determining the jurisdiction of consumer commissions based on the value of consideration (and not the value of goods or services plus compensation claimed) is not only rational but also aligns with the intent of the law. This decision has far-reaching implications for consumers and legal practitioners across the country. What Is Pecuniary Jurisdiction? Pecuniary jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court or tribunal to hear cases based on the monetary value involved. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019: District Commissions can hear complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed ₹50 lakh. State Commissio...