Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 32
Section 32: Vacancy in office of member of District Commission
If a District Commission President or member office is vacant, the State Government can notify another District Commission or another commission’s President or member to exercise specified functions.
On this page
Need advice on Section 32?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
If, at any time, there is a vacancy in the office of the President or member of a District Commission, the State Government may, by notification, direct— (a) any other District Commission specified in that notification to exercise the jurisdiction in respect of that district also; or (b) the President or a member of any other District Commission specified in that notification to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the President or member of that District Commission also.
Introduction
Read whether the notification transfers jurisdiction to another commission or authorises an individual to act. Do not treat a vacancy direction as a permanent reorganisation without reading its scope.
Key takeaways
Who and when
If a District Commission President or member office is vacant, the State Government can notify another District Commission or another commission’s President or member to exercise specified functions.
Operational step
Verify the vacancy and obtain the State notification before using substitute arrangements.
Boundary
Do not assume a nearby commission acquires jurisdiction automatically.
When the section matters
If a District Commission President or member office is vacant, the State Government can notify another District Commission or another commission’s President or member to exercise specified functions.
Practical steps
Verify the vacancy and obtain the State notification before using substitute arrangements. Read whether the notification transfers jurisdiction to another commission or authorises an individual to act. Identify the correct forum and signatory for pending matters during the vacancy.
- Verify the vacancy and obtain the State notification before using substitute arrangements.
- Read whether the notification transfers jurisdiction to another commission or authorises an individual to act.
- Identify the correct forum and signatory for pending matters during the vacancy.
Example
Following a President vacancy, the State notifies a President of another District Commission to discharge the vacant office’s functions.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Verify the vacancy and obtain the State notification before using substitute arrangements.
- Read whether the notification transfers jurisdiction to another commission or authorises an individual to act.
- Identify the correct forum and signatory for pending matters during the vacancy.
Avoid
- Do not assume a nearby commission acquires jurisdiction automatically.
- Do not treat a vacancy direction as a permanent reorganisation without reading its scope.
Glossary
- Vacancy direction
- A State notification assigning another District Commission or its President or member to act during a vacancy.
Frequently asked questions
Can another District Commission act during a vacancy?
Yes, if the State Government specifies it by notification under section 32.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026