In Brief
This appeal concerned whether the 45-day deadline for filing a written statement under Section 13 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is strictly mandatory or allows judicial flexibility. The Supreme Court noted conflicting earlier judgments and referred the issue to a larger bench. Pending that decision, the Court directed that Consumer Fora may accept written statements filed beyond 45 days in appropriate cases, subject to suitable conditions including payment of costs, to prevent injustice through technical procedural defaults. The appeal was disposed accordingly.
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