Consumer forum member seeks Rs 10 L compensation

Based on his complaint, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sought a report from the Registrar, SCDRC, the Pay and Accounts Officer of the Madras High Court and the Consumer Protection department within four weeks.

The complainant, S Murugesshan, is a whole time non-judicial member of SCDRC, one of the two officers who was appointed under GO 155/2018 issued by the Cooperation, Food and Consumer Protection Department in accordance with Rule 3 of Consumer Protection (Appointment, Salary, Allowances and Conditions of Service of President and Members of the State Commission and District Forum) Rules 2018.

Following the recommendations by Justice Arijit Pasayat committee report on the state of consumer forums, the Supreme Court had directed the States to implement the measures suggested by the committee. After Model Rules were framed by the Centre, it was published in the State government gazette on September 7, 2018. However, the whole time member’s salary under the Sub Rule 2 has not been paid since his appointment. There are only two whole time members in the commission.

The complainant said he had sent representations to various authorities, including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Pay Accounts Officer as well as the SHDRC. Even after the Principal Secretary clarified that he was entitled to salary and gave a direction to Registrar of SCDRC and Pay and Accounts Officer, they failed to honour the member’s bill and returned it without any valid reasons, he said in the complaint.

Stating that making him run from pillar to post is in violation of human rights, S Murugesshan sought the commission to director the Registrar of SCDRC and Pay and Accounts Officer to pay his salary and also Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the stress and harassment suffered.