Tsewang Rigzin
LEH: In a significant move likely to benefit hundreds of consumers in Leh Ladakh, State Government has recently constituted District Consumer Forum for Leh by delegating powers of president of the District Consumer Forum to the District and Session Judge Leh.
A three-member committee also includes two Advocates Samstan Dolma and Nilza Angmo nominated by the government from a panel it had received.
While expressing happiness over the constitution of the District Consumer Forum for Leh, President Bar Association Leh, Advocate Odsal Wangdus told STATE TIMES that a longstanding demand of the people of Leh has been fulfilled as people no longer have to suffer from most consumer related grievances pertaining to service delivery, manufacturing etc.
Consumers can simply file an application along with bill/ documentary evidence/proof of transactions in cases of costumers being cheated by retailers, service providers etc, he said, adding that the District Consumer Forum has the power to pass judgement for compensation in favour of anyone who is found to have been cheated.
He said the Bar Association Leh has been pursuing for a long time for the constitution of the District Consumer Forum as creation for the forum is compulsory as per a Supreme Court ruling.
It is learnt that District Consumer Forum for Kargil was established a year ago but District Consumer Forum for Leh has been approved only recently.
Bar Association Leh is also demanding a seasonal High Court Bench in Leh itself with an extended jurisdiction so that many cases like filing of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), writ petition, accident claims, and so on for which people of Leh have to knock the door of High Court in Srinagar can be dealt right here in Leh itself.