In Brief
A jewellery business owner challenged the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission's dismissal of his consumer complaint in limine (summarily, without a hearing). Although the 1986 Consumer Protection Act grants the Commission power to dismiss complaints without notice, the Supreme Court held such power must be exercised judiciously based on case facts. Where a complaint presents genuine disputes prima facie warranting a respondent's reply, it should proceed to merit-based adjudication. The Court allowed the appeal, set aside the dismissal, and remitted the complaint for proper admission and determination on merits.
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