In Brief
A consumer complaint against an insurance company was dismissed in limine (at the outset) by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission without notice to the respondent. The Supreme Court held that while the Commission has jurisdiction to dismiss complaints in limine after the 2003 amendment to the Consumer Protection Act, such jurisdiction should be exercised only in appropriate cases. Where the dispute prima facie requires the respondent's reply and merit-based decision, the complaint must be admitted and heard on merits with notice given. The Court allowed the appeal, remitted the case to the Commission, and granted the respondent one month to file a reply.
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