Consumer Fora Possesses Discretionary Powers To Award Compensation: Delhi State Commission

The Delhi State Commission held that while the Consumer Protection Act grants discretionary powers to consumer fora to award compensation, such discretion must be exercised judiciously based on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Commission emphasized that compensation should be commensurate with the loss suffered and the inconvenience caused to the consumer. It further clarified that consumer fora should not hesitate to award compensation even in cases where strict proof of loss is lacking, provided there is evidence of deficiency in service or unfair trade practice by the opposite party. This decision underscores the consumer fora's role in protecting consumer rights effectively through fair and reasonable compensation awards.