Question

Any person aggrieved by an order made by the District forum may prefer an appeal against such order to the ---------- within a period of ---------- days from the date of the order.

• A. State Commission,30
• B. State Tribunal,30
• C. State Forum, 30
• D. State Commission, 60

Hint:

Remember the hierarchy of the consumer forums under the 1986 Act: District Forum $\rightarrow$ State Commission $\rightarrow$ National Commission $\rightarrow$ Supreme Court. The limitation period for appeal at each stage (except to the Supreme Court) is 30 days.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the appellate hierarchy and the limitation period for filing an appeal against an order of the District Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The relevant statutory provision is Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Section 15. Appeal.— "Any person aggrieved by an order made by the District Forum may prefer an appeal against such order to the State Commission within a period of thirty days from the date of the order..."
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery:
1. District Forum at the district level.
2. State Commission at the state level.
3. National Commission at the national level.
The appellate route is from the District Forum to the State Commission. Section 15 explicitly provides the appellate authority (State Commission) and the limitation period (30 days).
Step 4: Final Answer:
An appeal may be preferred to the State Commission within a period of 30 days.