After remaining headless for over a year, the Andhra Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (APSCDRC) finally got a new chairman in Justice Tamada Gopalakrishna a few months ago. In an interview, he spoke to YUNUS Y. LASANIA of his priorities at the Commission and his views on consumer issues at the University College of Law, Osmania University, where he delivered a talk on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day few days ago.
What has been your first priority at the APSCDRC?
To ensure that the time-frame of 90 days in disposing off a case is maintained. We are clearing three or four cases daily, and 50-60 old cases are also being disposed off.
What are your observations about the kind of cases that come to the Commission?
Most cases are of medical negligence. Then issues of buildings or plots with builders come next, and the third highest cases are of insurance claims.
How much awareness is there about consumer rights among citizens?
Not as much as there should, but it is growing. It will take another 10-15 years for everyone to become active. There needs to be more awareness of consumer rights, so that more people approach us.
Why do you think this has been the case?
Well, the Act for consumer rights came in the year 1980, and the commission itself is about 20 years old. It will take some time. Now the topic itself is being taught in schools, and in a decade or so, everyone will know about it.
