In a significant move to strengthen consumer rights and expedite dispute resolutions, K.H. Muniyappa, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, inaugurated the Permanent Circuit Bench of the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (KSCDRC) in Belagavi today. Located on the third floor of K.H. Patil Sabha Bhavan in Auto Nagar, the new bench aims to provide accessible and quick justice to consumers facing issues such as defective products, inadequate services, and unfair trade practices. Until now, consumers from Belagavi and surrounding districts had to travel to Bengaluru for legal redress. This new bench will alleviate that burden and promote a fair marketplace.
The inauguration was attended by Ministers Satish Jarkiholi, H.K. Patil, and K.H. Muniyappa, as well as MLC Hanamantha Nirani. KSCDRC Chairman Ravi Shankar and other members of the Commission were also present.
Minister Muniyappa highlighted the growing need to protect consumer rights in a market where issues like inflated pricing, service deficiencies, and misleading advertisements are common. He emphasized that the Permanent Circuit Bench would significantly expedite the resolution of pending cases at minimal cost. He also praised the Commission’s role as an alternative dispute resolution system, facilitating efficient resolution of conflicts between consumers and businesses.
The establishment of this bench marks a milestone for consumer protection in North Karnataka, ensuring swift justice for those in need.
In a related development, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi launched the Permanent Mobile Bench of the KSCDRC in Belagavi on Wednesday. The event, held at the K.H. Patil Sabha Bhavan in Auto Nagar, was attended by Ministers H.K. Patil, K.H. Muniyappa, and MP Jagadish Shettar. The inauguration was jointly organized by the KSCDRC, the departments of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology, the Belagavi district administration, and the District Bar Association. Jarkiholi mentioned the space constraints for the mobile bench but assured that it would be equipped with the necessary facilities.
Minister Muniyappa remarked that the mobile bench was fulfilling a long-standing demand from the North Karnataka region. He pointed out that consumers in North and Kalyana Karnataka often had to travel to Bengaluru for dispute resolution, but with the launch of the mobile bench in Belagavi, this would no longer be the case. This mobile bench follows the successful launch of one in Kalaburagi two months ago and will help resolve consumer disputes in seven districts efficiently.
Minister H.K. Patil acknowledged the continuous efforts of the Chief Minister and District Minister in establishing the bench and called for amendments to the laws to speed up solutions for consumer problems. He stressed that the bench should serve as a resource for consumers seeking their rights. Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar emphasized the need for swift resolution of consumer cases, many of which had been pending for up to 10 years. He expressed hope that such delays would not persist, assuring that consumers would soon be able to access timely justice.
The event was also attended by MLC Hanumant Nirani, DC Mohammed Roshan, and other local leaders, including the chairmen of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
