In Brief
The Supreme Court resolved a constitutional reference regarding procedural time limits under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Court held that the 30-day period for an opposite party to file a response to a complaint (extendable by maximum 15 days, totalling 45 days) is mandatory, not discretionary. District Forums cannot extend time beyond this period. The Court also clarified that the 30-day limitation commences from receipt of notice accompanied by the complaint copy, not from notice alone. These holdings prioritize speedy consumer dispute resolution and enforce strict statutory time limits, rejecting equitable extensions based on hardship.
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