Consumer Protection Act Section 34 — Jurisdiction of District Commission
CHAPTER IV CONSUMER DISPUTER REDRESSAL COMMISSION
Civil
Summary
Sub-section (1) sets the monetary limit for the District Commission. It can hear complaints where the value of goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed one crore rupees. However, the Central Government may prescribe a different value if it considers it necessary.
Sub-section (2) explains where a complaint can be filed. A complaint must be filed in a District Commission within whose local limits the opposite party, or each of the opposite parties if there are more than one, ordinarily resides, carries on business, has a branch office, or personally works for gain at the time the complaint is instituted.
Under clause (b) of sub-section (2), if there are multiple opposite parties, a complaint can be filed where any one of them actually and voluntarily resides, carries on business, has a branch office, or personally works for gain at the time of institution, but only with the permission of the District Commission.
Under clause (c) of sub-section (2), a complaint can also be filed where the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises.
Under clause (d) of sub-section (2), a complaint can be filed where the complainant resides or personally works for gain.
Sub-section (3) states that the District Commission will ordinarily function at the district headquarters. It may also perform its functions at other places in the district, as the State Government may notify in the Official Gazette, in consultation with the State Commission, from time to time.
Official Text
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the District Commission shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed one crore rupees:
Provided that where the Central Government deems it necessary so to do, it may prescribe such other value, as it deems fit.
(2) A complaint shall be instituted in a District Commission within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,—
(a) the opposite party or each of the opposite parties, where there are more than one, at the time of the institution of the complaint, ordinarily resides or carries on business or has a branch office or personally works for gain; or
(b) any of the opposite parties, where there are more than one, at the time of the institution of the complaint, actually and voluntarily resides, or carries on business or has a branch office, or personally works for gain, provided that in such case the permission of the District Commission is given; or
(c) the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises; or
(d) the complainant resides or personally works for gain.
(3) The District Commission shall ordinarily function in the district headquarters and may perform its functions at such other place in the district, as the State Government may, in consultation with the State Commission, notify in the Official Gazette from time to time.