SC extends terms of members of NCDRC till May 31

The Supreme Court today modified its earlier order and extended the tenure of members of the apex consumer commission till May 31.

Ther apex court had earlier extended till March 15, the tenure of members of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) after the Centre had consented to such extensions on the ground that judicial work should not get affected.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud also said that the selection process that has commenced must continue and no litigation in that regard would be entertained.

"Any other grievance, in this regard, shall be dealt with at the time of final hearing of the main case," the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing in July.

In view of the pendency of the petitions challenging the Finance Act and the Tribunal, Appellate and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other conditions of Service of Members) Rules, appointments to various tribunals including the NCDRC were stalled.

As an interim measure, the apex court with the consent of the Centre had extended the terms of retiring members of NCDRC till March 15.

The Finance Act governs appointments, tenure, removal and other service conditions of chairpersons and members of tribunals.