In Brief
This judgment addresses locus standi of consumer associations to file complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. In three companion cases decided together, the Court clarified that a statutory body created mandatorily under the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act (like a condominium association) cannot be a 'recognised consumer association' because it is not voluntary. However, a voluntary registered welfare society can file a single composite complaint on behalf of multiple consumers sharing similar grievances. The Court also held that when a complaint is admitted and notice issued following an application for joint filing, permission is inherent in the admission order, and cannot be rejected later on merits."
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