The Supreme Court on Friday came down heavily on two members of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) for issuing non-bailable warrants, despite an interim order passed by the Apex Court.
The top court of the country had earlier sought an explanation from NCDRC members Subhash Chandra and Dr. Sadhna Shanker on the matter.
Expressing its dissatisfaction over the explanation offered by the two members, the Apex Court today issued show cause notice, asking them to show cause as to why contempt of court proceedings ought not to be initiated against them for wilful defiance of the orders passed by the Apex Court
The Bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah noted that even after a notice was issued to the NCDRC members by the Apex Court on April 15, they did not recall the non-bailable warrants.
They were directed to members to file their replies within 10 days. the Bench then listed the matter for further hearing on May 15, 2024.
On March 1, the court had ordered that no coercive steps would be taken against the appellant/developer. However, on March 8, the NCDRC asked the directors of the appellant/developer to file affidavits of compliance.
On April 2, the NCDRC issued non-bailable warrants against the directors after the appellant failed to file certain compliance affidavits.
The Bench today criticised the inaction of the erring members for not withdrawing the order issuing non-bailable warrants against the developer directors despite the Supreme Court’s order.
Appearing for the erring NCDRC members, Attorney General R Venkataramani tendered an unconditional apology for the mistake made by his clients and submitted that the fault was not deliberate.
Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar appeared for the appellant/developer.