The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCRDC) Bench interpreting Section 12 (1) ( c) of the Consumer Protection Act conforms to certain provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016. With consumer activism going up immensely, this order was necessary to deal with the sheer quantum of cases. It is also important to note that the penalty provision is available only under RERA and not vested with the consumer courts. The court order also clarifies that cases related to properties worth below Rs 20 lakh can be heard in district courts. The order will apply to all old and new cases filed under Section 12 (1) (c) of the Act, according to Sethi.

Source: Hindustan Times October 17, 2016 08:03 UTC