Kochi : The state govt has informed the high court that the proposal to create 229 posts for the infrastructural development of consumer dispute redressal commissions in all districts, including the state commission, is pending financial approval, and the sanction is expected within four weeks.
The state’s submission came in a batch of PILs highlighting deficiencies in the functioning of authorities under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including a shortage of staff and the need for sufficient police officers to be attached. The bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar also observed that 229 posts were required for the infrastructural development of the commissions. It noted that an interim arrangement for the deployment of civil police officers, as per an order passed on Aug 5, 2026, would continue until the new posts are created. The court adjourned the matter to Oct 7, directing the state to file an affidavit setting out the progress made in this regard.
The bench further expressed hope that effective steps would be taken to create the posts within the said period.