Complainant not required to prove service obtained for self-employment livelihood unless appellant proves commercial purpose.

Case Note & Summary

Consumer Protection - Maintainability of Complaint - Definition of Consumer - Service obtained for Commercial Purpose - Onus of Proof - Burden of Proof - Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Main Content:

1. Background:

Appellant challenges order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). Complainant redressed grievance initially at District Forum and subsequently at State Forum and NCDRC.

2. Parties Involved:

Appellant: Registered Chit Fund company engaged in Chit business. Respondent (Complainant): Subscribed to chits with appellant.

3. Allegations:

Complainant alleges illegal termination of chit fund business by appellant and non-refund of subscription amount. Seeks direction for refund along with future interest.

4. Objection Raised by Appellant:

Preliminary objection that complaint not maintainable as complainant does not qualify as a ‘consumer’ under Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Claims service obtained for commercial purpose.

5. Issue Framed by District Forum:

Whether complainant proved deficiency in service? Relief entitled to complainant?

6. Forum Decisions:

District Forum finds deficiency in service, orders refund with interest. State Forum and NCDRC uphold District Forum’s decision on merits but do not address maintainability issue.

7. Issue for Consideration:

Whether service obtained by complainant was for a commercial purpose?

8. Definition of Consumer under Consumer Protection Act, 1986:

Three-part definition: Jurisdictional prerequisites for consumer. Exclusion clause for persons obtaining goods/services for commercial purpose. Exception to exclusion clause for self-employment livelihood.

9. Burden of Proof:

Onus to prove first part on complainant. Onus to prove exclusion clause on service provider. Standard of proof: Preponderance of probabilities.

10. Analysis of Plea Raised by Appellant: - Appellant must prove service obtained for commercial purpose. - Complainant not required to prove service obtained for self-employment livelihood unless appellant proves commercial purpose.

11. Conclusion: - Appellant failed to prove service obtained for commercial purpose. - Three Forums concurred on deficiency of service. - Appeals dismissed.