What is National Commission?

Meaning: The Central Government has to establish a consumer disputes resolving agency at the national level. This is known as "National Commission".

Formation: The National Commission shall consist of a president and four other members to be appointed by the Central Government.

Qualification of Members: The president should be a sitting judge or a retired Supreme Court Judge. The other four members, which includes one woman should be well educated and having long experience in different fields.

Compensation Limit: National Commission can entertain complaints having compensation value exceeding Rs. 1 crore. It can also entertain appeals against order issued by the State Commission.

Procedure: National Commission follows the procedure as may be prescribed by the Central Government in addition to the procedure followed by the District Forum.

Enforcement: The order of National Commission is final and it is to be enforced as a court decree, failing which the concerned trader shall be punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years or fine up to Rs. 10. 000 or both.