Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the tragic fire incident in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district and announced financial assistance for the victims of the incident, reported ANI. In a message, the Prime Minister said he was "deeply pained" by the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap. "Deeply pained by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi," Prime Minister Office (PMO) stated in a post on X. Deeply pained by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The… — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 18, 2026 Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited the site of the fire incident in Indore that claimed the lives of seven people on Wednesday morning and reviewed the situation with officials on the ground. The Minister also directed officials to constitute an expert committee to probe the incident and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can be formed to prevent such incidents in the future. Seven killed in early morning fire at residential house in Indore According to ANI, the fire broke out in a 3-storey residential house situated in the Brijeshwari Annexe residential locality in Indore at around 4 am and spread rapidly, leaving seven persons dead on the spot. After receiving information about the incident, Vijayvargiya reached the spot and interacted with the administration regarding rescue and relief operations. "This incident is very sad and alarming. As this is an era of EV (electric Vehicles) and the fire was triggered by the charging point of the EV, which is a matter of concern. We have asked the District Collector and Commissioner of Police (CP) to constitute an expert committee to investigate the incident so that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) can be formed to prevent such incidents in the future. Today, every individual thinks of buying an EV and I also think if I have to purchase the next vehicle it will be an EV. But if fire breaks out due to charging of EV then it is quite an alarming situation," Vijayvargiya told reporters. Indore Commissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh said that soon after receiving the information about the incident, the firefighters rushed to the spot, began the rescue operation and brought the fire under control. "As soon as we received information about the incident, we informed our fire tender team to rush to the spot. Initially, it was a horrifying situation, but the team managed to bring the fire under control. Three people were rescued, and unfortunately, seven people have died in the incident. The fire has been completely brought under control," Singh said, reported ANI. (Inputs from ANI)
18 March,2026 03:23 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | mid-day online correspondentThe Delhi government’s Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department has issued a tender to procure two boats for monitoring, survey, and inspection operations on the Yamuna river, officials said, the IANS reported. The move comes as the department seeks dedicated vessels to assist in river monitoring, flood management, and inspection visits by senior officials. The tender, floated on March 12, seeks two boats at an estimated combined cost of around Rs 6.2 crore, with each vessel priced at approximately Rs 3.1 crore. The procurement is expected to be completed within five months after the bidding process concludes, which is slated for March 19. Each boat will be designed to accommodate 16 to 20 persons and will measure about 13 metres in length, 4.3 metres in width, and 2.1 metres in height. The vessels will feature enclosed cabins equipped with air-conditioning and seating for officials. Interior features The interiors of the boats are planned with comfort and functionality in mind. Each cabin will have customised business-class push-back seats made of vegan leather, integrated hand rests with wooden finishes, bottle holders, and ambient LED lighting. Facilities will also include a pantry for serving food, washrooms, and a fresh water storage capacity of around 400 litres, according to the IANS. The boats will also feature an open rear deck with sofa-type seating for three to four persons, enabling senior officials to interact with the public during inspection visits and river surveys. Technical specifications and safety The vessels will be powered by 300-horsepower four-stroke engines and will carry fuel tanks with a capacity of 700 to 1,000 litres. Each boat will have a displacement of roughly 12 tonnes at full load and will be capable of reaching speeds up to 25 knots. Safety and operational equipment will include tracking devices, very high frequency (VHF) radio signal stations, fire pumps, emergency medical equipment, and depth sounders capable of measuring water depth up to 500 metres. The supplying agency will also provide maintenance and spare parts for two years, the news agency reported. Purpose and usage Officials said the boats are intended for multiple functions: monitoring river conditions, conducting surveys, facilitating inspection visits, and supporting flood monitoring and rescue operations during the monsoon season. They will also assist during major river festivals such as 'Chhath Pooja', as per the IANS. Currently, the I and FC department relies on hired boats for bathy-metric surveys, rescue operations, monsoon monitoring, and official inspections, as noted in the department’s annual report released last month. The new vessels are expected to provide dedicated support for these tasks and improve operational efficiency. Recreational projects on the Yamuna In addition to the monitoring boats, the Delhi government has procured a 40-seater vessel for a proposed recreational cruise service on the Yamuna, covering the route between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The project aims to introduce ferry services and recreational cruises, though its launch has been delayed. (With IANS Inputs)
18 March,2026 03:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentElaborate arrangements are being made for President Droupadi Murmu's upcoming visit to Ayodhya on March 19. The road leading up to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has been adorned with saffron flags and pennant banners. Workers were seen putting up banners across the city, depicting President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Speaking about the arrangements and security measures, Ayodhya's District Magistrate (DM) Nikhil Tikaram Funde, told IANS, "We are working towards ensuring a hassle free event", as per IANS. He added that 'VIP darshan' will be closed on that day but common people will be allowed to visit the temple except for the time period during the President's visit. Responsibilities and measures has been planned for President Murmu's visit SSP Ayodhya, Gaurav Grover, said, "Today we have been briefed about the security measures and our responsibilities during President Murmu's visit. Right from her landing at the airport to the route that will be taken by her to reach the venue, everything has been planned accordingly." He added, "We will also ensure that common people who will come for 'darshan', don't face any difficulties." President Murmu is scheduled to participate in a series of religious ceremonies at the Ram Mandir Ayodhya, including the installation of the Ram Yantra on the temple’s second floor and Vedic rituals as part of special celebrations marking the Hindu New Year. During her visit, the President will also install the Shri Ram Yantra and Shri Ram Naam temple on the second floor of the temple complex and take part in Vedic prayers that will begin at around 9 AM. The rituals will be performed by 51 Vedic scholars from southern India, Kashi, and Ayodhya under the guidance of priest Ganeshwar Shastri, reported IANS. President Murmu to visit temple, felicitate construction workers amid tight security According to IANS, President Murmu will also honour nearly 400 workers who contributed to the construction of the temple and hoist a flag at one of the temples located along the outer precinct, known as the parkota. The President’s convoy is expected to reach the temple complex at around 11 AM and she will remain there for nearly four hours. The event will see participation from several religious and social leaders, including spiritual leaders. Around 5,000 special guests have been invited for the occasion, while elaborate arrangements are being made for security, seating, transport, and accommodation. Officials said the temple trust also plans to open access to additional shrines within the complex for devotees after the President's programme. Under the proposed system, about 5,000 devotees will be allowed daily to visit temples within the parkota area through a pass-based arrangement. Meanwhile, the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya continues to rise, with about 1,500 pilgrims from Punjab arriving in the city by a special train on Saturday to offer prayers to Ram Lalla, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:49 PM IST | Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki has safely docked at Adani Ports’ Mundra terminal in Gujarat, carrying approximately 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil sourced from the United Arab Emirates, officials confirmed on Wednesday, reported news agency IANS. The vessel was loaded at Fujairah Port and reached Mundra amid heightened global energy concerns and ongoing disruptions in key shipping routes. Major crude shipment reaches Indian shores Port authorities said the tanker berthed at Mundra following standard maritime coordination and safety procedures. The cargo is expected to be discharged for refinery operations, contributing to India’s fuel supply stability, reported IANS. A spokesperson for Adani Ports said the terminal continues to play a key role in handling critical energy imports and ensuring seamless logistics for the country’s energy needs. Vessel specifications highlight capacity The Jag Laadki is a large crude carrier, measuring 274.19 metres in length with a beam of 50.04 metres. It has a deadweight tonnage of approximately 1,64,716 tonnes and a gross tonnage of around 84,735 tonnes, making it capable of transporting substantial volumes of crude oil, reported IANS. Boost to energy security amid global disruptions The arrival of the tanker comes at a time when global energy supply chains are facing uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia. Officials said such shipments are crucial to maintaining refinery output and ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability, reported IANS. India has been actively managing its energy imports to mitigate risks arising from disruptions in international shipping routes. Earlier LPG shipments reached Gujarat ports The development follows the recent arrival of two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which delivered large quantities of liquefied petroleum gas to ports in Gujarat after navigating the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, reported IANS. These shipments were facilitated through diplomatic coordination to ensure safe passage amid rising security concerns in the region. Strait of Hormuz remains critical energy corridor The Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the most vital routes for global energy trade, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. Recent tensions in the region have impacted maritime traffic, prompting countries, including India, to take proactive measures to secure energy supplies. Discharge operations underway under supervision Officials said cargo discharge operations at Mundra will be carried out in accordance with safety and environmental protocols, under the supervision of port authorities and refinery representatives, reported IANS. The successful arrival of Jag Laadki underscores India’s continued efforts to safeguard its energy supply chain amid evolving global challenges. (With inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:36 PM IST | Bhuj | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the resignation of Assam Lok Sabha MP, Pradyut Bordoloi, from the Congress, party leader Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday termed the development as "unfortunate" and "truly regrettable," expressing disappointment over his exit, reported IANS. Bordoloi reportedly submitted his resignation to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, ending his long association with the party amid allegations of internal dissatisfaction. Priyanka Gandhi expresses concern over exit; Pappu Yadav warns of possible poll impact Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi said, “It’s very unfortunate. I think he was upset over one ticket allocation, and I wish we had had a chance to discuss it. It’s truly regrettable.” Meanwhile, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said the party is taking the resignation seriously and acknowledged its significance. “The BJP often creates such break-ups. While it may not affect the party’s core ideology, such developments can have an impact during elections. The top leadership will certainly take this seriously,” he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, also expressed concern, alleging that leaders from the Congress are being repeatedly poached. “It is a matter of concern that leaders from the Indian National Congress are being drawn into the Bharatiya Janata Party, with even elected representatives switching sides,” she said, as per IANS. Oppositions raise questions behind Bordoloi's exit According to IANS, echoing similar concerns, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma pointed to two possible reasons behind the resignation. “Either he did not receive adequate respect within the Congress, or there may have been external pressure. In recent years, several Opposition leaders have shifted towards the BJP,” he said. On Tuesday, in a letter addressed to Mallikarjun Kharge, Bordoloi expressed “an overwhelming sense of sadness” while announcing his decision to step down from all posts, privileges, and responsibilities within the party. The brief resignation letter, dated March 17, did not specify the reasons behind his exit, but sources indicate that the move comes amid growing internal dissent and shifting political alignments in Assam. Bordoloi also recently wrote a letter to the Congress leadership expressing his displeasure with the functioning of the Congress party and its state president, Gaurav Gogoi, reported IANS. The central leadership of the Congress did not issue any statement on Bordoloi's letter, which might have fuelled his exit from the party. (Inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court has granted an additional nine months to complete the trial in the Sheena Bora murder case, making it clear that no further extensions will be allowed, reported the PTI. The order was passed on March 16 by a bench comprising Justice M M Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh. The extension was granted after a request from the Special Judge of the CBI court at the City Civil and Sessions Court in Mumbai, seeking more time to conclude the long-pending trial. The Supreme Court accepted the request but stressed that no further plea for extension would be entertained. The court also allowed Indrani Mukerjea to file a fresh application seeking permission to travel abroad, according to the PTI. Her former husband, Peter Mukerjea, remains a co-accused in the case. Background of the case Sheena Bora, 24, was allegedly murdered in April 2012. Mumbai Police had earlier said that she was strangled in a car by Indrani Mukerjea, her driver Shyamvar Rai, and another accused, Sanjeev Khanna. Her body was later burnt and disposed of in a forest in Raigad. The murder remained unknown until 2015, when Shyamvar Rai revealed details of the crime after being arrested in another case. Following this, Indrani Mukerjea and Sanjeev Khanna were arrested in August 2015, while Peter Mukerjea was arrested later that year. Media baron Peter Mukerjea, ex-husband of Indrani, is also an accused in the Sheena Bora murder case. The murder came to light in 2015 after Rai spilled the beans about the murder following his arrest in another case. Indrani Mukerjea and Khanna were arrested in August 2015, while Peter Mukerjea was arrested three months later. The trial in the case began in February 2017 after the framing of charges against all the accused. There are 237 prosecution witnesses, out of which over 90 have been examined by the court so far. Accused currently on bail All the accused in the case are currently out on bail as the trial continues. The Supreme Court’s latest order is expected to expedite proceedings in one of India’s most high-profile criminal cases. (with PTI inputs)
18 March,2026 02:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHours after quitting the Congress party, Lok Sabha MP from Assam, Pradyut Bordoloi, joined the BJP in the national capital on Wednesday. According to IANS, Bordoloi, who was a minister in Assam during the Congress regime, joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia. Pradyut Bordoloi said he was “deeply hurt” and “left with no option” but to resign from the Indian National Congress, alleging repeated humiliation and a lack of a conducive environment within the party’s Assam unit. Pradyut Bordoloi alleges that senior Congress figures insulted him Speaking to reporters here, Bordoloi said the decision was painful but inevitable. “I am saddened to take this step, but I had no option left. I was mentally hurt and internally exhausted,” he said, indicating that issues within the party had been building up for some time. The veteran leader claimed that several senior Congress figures had “insulted” him on multiple occasions, leading to a sense of alienation, as per IANS. “I have dedicated my entire life to the Congress, but today I feel completely alone. I waited for hours to meet K.C. Venugopal, but I was not allowed a meeting,” he said, underlining the emotional toll of his exit. At the same time, Bordoloi acknowledged the role the Congress played in shaping his political career. “The Congress party has given me a lot. Whatever I am today is because of the Congress,” he noted, adding that his decision was not driven by disregard for the party’s legacy but by the prevailing circumstances. However, he stressed that the situation within the Assam Congress had deteriorated to a point where he no longer felt comfortable continuing. “There is no environment in the Assam Congress for me to stay. That is why I resigned,” Bordoloi said, reported IANS. His resignation and switching sides are being seen as a significant setback for Congress in Assam, particularly at a time when the party is grappling with internal challenges and gearing up for crucial political battles ahead. (Inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:02 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday bid farewell to 59 retiring Rajya Sabha members, describing Parliament as an “open university” and urging outgoing legislators to continue contributing to public life beyond their tenure. Addressing the Upper House during the biennial farewell, PM Modi said such occasions transcend political divisions and bring members together in a shared spirit of respect and reflection. PM emphasises continued role beyond Parliament Reassuring members who may not return to Parliament, PM Modi said political life does not end with the completion of a term. “In politics, there is no such thing as a full stop. The future awaits you,” he said, highlighting that their experience will remain valuable to the nation. He added that the knowledge and exposure gained during a Rajya Sabha tenure equips members to contribute meaningfully in other capacities. Praise for Deve Gowda, Kharge and Sharad Pawar The Prime Minister paid special tribute to veteran leaders H.D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sharad Pawar, describing them as stalwarts who have dedicated decades to parliamentary service. He lauded their continued commitment and regular participation in proceedings, calling their long-standing presence in Parliament “exemplary” and a model for younger lawmakers. Tribute to Deputy Chairman Harivansh PM Modi also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Deputy Chairman Harivansh, describing him as soft-spoken yet highly committed to his responsibilities. He noted that Harivansh remained actively engaged even outside parliamentary sessions, travelling across the country to interact with youth and promote awareness on national issues. Light-hearted remarks on parliamentary culture In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister referred to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, praising his wit and humour in the House. He remarked that humour in parliamentary debates has declined in recent times due to constant public scrutiny, but described Athawale as “evergreen,” expressing confidence that he would continue to contribute actively. Parliament likened to a ‘second opinion’ system Reflecting on India’s bicameral parliamentary system, PM Modi compared the legislative process to seeking a “second opinion,” where decisions made in one House are reviewed by the other. He said this process strengthens democratic decision-making by encouraging broader deliberation and diverse perspectives. Chairman highlights institutional continuity Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan noted that 59 members from 20 states, including nine women, will retire between April and July upon completion of their terms. He emphasised that the staggered retirement of one-third of members every two years ensures continuity while allowing new voices to enter the House. Radhakrishnan also praised the contributions of senior leaders and described Harivansh’s tenure as marked by dignity and impartiality. ‘Retirement is a new beginning’ Urging members to remain engaged in public life, the Chairman said retirement from the House should be seen as the beginning of new responsibilities rather than an end. He concluded by noting that the contributions of outgoing members would remain part of the institution’s legacy, reflecting their dedication to public service. The farewell marked a moment of reflection and recognition, with leaders across party lines acknowledging the role of experienced parliamentarians in shaping legislative discourse and governance. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 01:52 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentBJP leader Rahul Sinha on Wednesday backed the Election Commission of India’s major bureaucratic reshuffle in West Bengal, calling it a step towards ensuring 'clean and fair' elections. According to ANI, Sinha alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had created a “syndicate” within the state police by appointing loyalists, but claimed the EC’s move had “broken” this network. He further alleged attempts to incite communal tensions, stating that both Hindu and Muslim communities exercised restraint. Siddh Nath Gupta appointed Director General of Police, replacing Peeyush Pandey In a significant overhaul, the EC appointed Siddh Nath Gupta as Director General of Police, replacing Peeyush Pandey. Ajay Kumar Nand has been named Commissioner of Kolkata Police, while Natarajan Ramesh Babu will serve as DG, Correctional Services, and Ajay Mukund Ranade as ADG & IGP (Law & Order). The Commission also announced key district-level postings to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Surya Pratap Yadav has been appointed SP, Barasat PD; Rakesh Singh as SP, Cooch Behar; Kumar Sunny Raj as SP, Birbhum; Ishani Paul as SP, Islampur PD; Pushpa as SP, Hooghly Rural; and Jaspreet Singh as SP, Diamond Harbour PD, as per ANI. Additionally, Yeilwad Shrikant Jagannathrao will serve as DC, Central Division, Kolkata, while Papiya Sultana has been posted as SP, Paschim Medinipur, among others. The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The election process is set to conclude by May 6. EC removes top West Bengal officials ahead of state polls A day after the announcement of the poll schedule for West Bengal, the Election Commission on Monday removed Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, DGP Peeyush Pandey and Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar stating that they would not be given poll-related assignments. The poll panel said the decision was taken following a review of the poll preparedness of the state. The Trinamool Congress called the EC’s reshuffle a “panic reaction by a party that realises it cannot win elections through democratic means”, while the opposition BJP and CPI(M) hailed the rejig as a “step towards free and fair polls”.
18 March,2026 12:27 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAt least six people were killed after a massive fire broke out in a residential building on Wednesday morning in Palam area of Delhi, officials said, reported the ANI. The incident occurred in the Sadh Nagar area, where a multi-storey building caught fire in the early hours of the day. According to the Delhi Fire Service, a call was received at around 7 am about the blaze near Palam Metro Station. Nearly 30 fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighting operations were launched immediately. Residents said the fire may have been caused by a short circuit around 6 am, which quickly spread through the building. Around 10 to 15 people were believed to be inside at the time, according to the ANI. Rescue efforts and casualties Emergency teams, including the Delhi Police and district administration, carried out rescue operations. Officials said that several members of a family were among those killed. Some people reportedly tried to escape by jumping from the building, and at least two are currently undergoing treatment, as per the ANI. Authorities fear that more casualties could be confirmed as rescue work continues. Probe ordered Delhi CM Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a magisterial inquiry into the fire, reported the PTI. In a post on X, Rekha Gupta wrote that she was extremely distressed to learn about the unfortunate fire at the residential building. The district administration, Delhi Fire Service and Delhi Police are leading the rescue operation, she said. "Magisterial enquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident," she added. Officials said seven members of a family, including three people, have died in the fire that broke out Wednesday morning. Two others are under treatment after jumping out of the building due to the flames. Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said rescue and firefighting operations are being closely monitored and all necessary support is being extended. "Deeply distressed by the fire incident in a residential building near Palam Metro. My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic loss," he said in a post on X. A massive firefighting and rescue operation was launched with 30 fire tenders after the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received a call around 7 am regarding a blaze in the building near Palam Metro Station. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
18 March,2026 12:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s consumer dispute redressal system is grappling with severe structural challenges, with mounting case pendency and widespread vacancies significantly undermining its effectiveness, according to the Consumer Justice Report 2026 released on Wednesday. The report, published by the India Justice Report, was unveiled by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who raised concerns over the weakening institutional capacity of consumer commissions. Pendency, vacancies erode consumer confidence The report reveals that more than half of all president and member posts in State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs) were vacant in 2025. Simultaneously, over one-third of cases in these commissions have been pending for more than three years. This is in stark contrast to the mandate under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which envisages the timely disposal of cases. “Legislation loses meaning if the institutions tasked with implementing it are rendered non-functional,” Kaul said, adding that such gaps erode public trust in grievance redressal systems. Andhra Pradesh tops rankings, Maharashtra at 11 The report ranks states based on 11 indicators, including infrastructure, human resources, budget utilisation, and workload. Among large and mid-sized states, Andhra Pradesh secured the top position, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Maharashtra ranked 11th, while Telangana was placed at the bottom. In the small states category, Meghalaya ranked first, followed by Sikkim. However, the rankings also reveal stark disparities. While Andhra Pradesh reported only 4.9 per cent of cases pending beyond three years, Kerala—ranked 12th—had nearly 80 per cent of such long-pending cases. Insurance, housing, banking lead complaints An analysis of nearly 2.9 million cases filed between 2010 and 2024 highlights that consumer grievances are concentrated in a few key sectors. Insurance disputes account for the highest share of complaints Housing and banking follow closely At the national level, 44 per cent of cases relate to housing issues Cases at the national commission level take an average of 448 days and seven hearings for disposal, indicating systemic delays. Metro and capital city commissions under strain A closer examination of district commissions in 51 capital cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru, reveals persistent shortcomings. Only commissions in Kolkata met the mandatory requirement of having at least one woman member. In contrast, several commissions in Bengaluru witnessed a sharp decline in case clearance rates—from 96 per cent in 2022 to 50 per cent in 2024. In some cities, commissions functioned without a president for extended periods, affecting their efficiency. Some gains in budget, leadership stability Despite the challenges, the report notes modest improvements in certain areas: 10 out of 20 state commissions had a president consistently between 2021 and 2025 16 of 19 commissions met minimum gender representation norms Budget allocation increased by 52 per cent, reaching Rs 201.9 crore over four years These trends indicate incremental progress in strengthening institutional frameworks. Infrastructure and staffing gaps persist Significant gaps remain in the basic structure of consumer redressal: Only 685 district commissions exist for 775 districts Around 20 per cent staff vacancies persist in state commissions Limited use of alternative dispute resolution, with only 3,216 cases referred to Lok Adalats Women’s representation also remains limited, with only three state commissions having had a woman president in the past five years. Experts highlight structural weaknesses Maja Daruwala, Chief Editor, India Justice Report, emphasised that institutional weaknesses undermine even well-designed laws. She said, “The 2019 consumer protection law is designed to respond to the complexities of the changing marketplace in India and globally. While there are improvements and innovations compared to the previous statute, even the most progressive legislation relies on robust institutional mechanisms. Data accessed through RTI show the gaps and neglect in filling leadership vacancies in commissions, which undermines the spirit of the consumer protection mandate and leads to ineffective grievance redressal. We find that in consumer commissions, gender diversity is restricted to mere compliance, pendency persists, and mediation is ornamental, eventually weakening the promise of institutional resolution and redress for consumers.” System ‘working at subsistence level’ Former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Madan B. Lokur described the situation in stark terms: “The Consumer Protection Act is a beneficent legislation at the centre of which is the ordinary consumer. The report clearly shows that the system is working at a subsistence level, with vacancies as high as 40 per cent in State Commissions. One in three cases is pending for over three years. It is time the authorities realise that consumption and economic growth are severely affected by the lack of faith in consumer redressal mechanisms. Forty years after the Consumer Protection Act was enacted, the situation is terribly grim. It raises the question: are these commissions really grievance redressal bodies?” Call for urgent reform The findings underline the urgent need for systemic reforms to address vacancies, strengthen infrastructure, and improve efficiency. Without these measures, the report warns, the promise of accessible and timely consumer justice will remain unfulfilled for millions across the country.
18 March,2026 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
-1773826093301_d.png "High-spec boats to aid Yamuna river surveys. File Pic")
