Delays in consumer court cases-

No idea about Chennai but at Delhi it took me about 3 years - case finished 2012.

No limit....you have follow the process

Normally it takes 3-4 years in most of the cases in Tamilnadu. Better than civil courts here.

P.Thangavel, Advocate & Social Activist.

Section 13 of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 prescribes the time that can be taken for the various steps. The admission hearing has to be held within 21 days of the receipt of the complaint. Thereafter 30 days are given to the Opposite Party to file his reply. An adjournment of a maximum of another 15 days is allowed. Thereafter if things such as laboratory tests are required it can take further time. 2. There is a general stipulation that if no laboratory tests etc are required the case should be finished within 3 months of the receipt of the complaint by the Opposite Party if no laboratory tests are required and 5 months if laboratory tests are required. So far I would have fought some 5 cases. In 4 cases they got finished within the stipulated limit + a month or so. In one case it took about one year because I asked for an adjournment till my return as I was going abroad. I never appointed a lawyer for my cases. If one is vigilant not allowing delaying tactics and unnecessary adjournments one can get the case finished fast. If the Opposite Party deliberately tries to delay and the court yields, one should appeal to the higher court.