Stakeholders call for establishment of consumer court in Far West Province

Dhangadhi: Stakeholders have called for the prompt establishment of a consumer court at the provincial level to ensure consumers have better access to justice.

The demand was raised during an interaction program on the status of consumer protection and the need for a consumer court held in Dhangadhi on Saturday.

Consumer protection activist Dhanpati Dhungel emphasized that the consumer court’s practice of waiving court fees and resolving cases through summary procedures is consumer-friendly and should be implemented at the provincial level without delay.

Speaking at the program, advocate Shringarishi Kafle stated that the consumer court, established on Chaitra 2, 2081, following a Supreme Court order issued on Chaitra 2, 2078, and a subsequent decision by the Council of Ministers, has so far registered more than 60 cases, with most victims receiving justice.

Siddharaj Ojha, Central Vice President of the Bar Association, suggested that consumer courts should be established in Kailali and Kanchanpur, key entry points for imported goods and major market hubs in the Far West, and stressed that consumer benches should also be set up in hilly districts without delay.

National Human Rights Commission Deputy Secretary Man Bahadur Karki stated that the establishment of such a court would enable consumers to question product quality and claim their rights. Advocate Renu Pradhan also highlighted the importance of a consumer court to ensure easier access to justice for consumers.

Kailali District Court Bench Officer Diwani Ram Luhar noted that the heavy case load in district courts has delayed justice, and that the establishment of a consumer court would help expedite cases while reducing the burden on existing courts.

Kailali District Court Judge Bhuwan Singh Thapa said that the consumer court will be established in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s directive, and stressed the need to educate investigating agencies and government lawyers on consumer rights.

Participants at the program also stressed that issues related to food quality, medicine and vehicles should fall within the jurisdiction of the consumer court, and that those endangering consumer health should be prosecuted as government criminal cases.

Basanta Gautam, Secretary of Consumer Interest Protection Forum Nepal, clarified that the consumer court established in Kathmandu, which oversees Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, is already operational. He added that consumer activists are encouraged by the government’s policy and program to establish consumer courts in all seven provinces.