Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 36
Section 36: Proceedings before District Commission
District Commission proceedings require the President and at least one member, and the admission decision ordinarily follows within twenty-one days; silence beyond that period deems admission.
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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
(1) Every proceeding before the District Commission shall be conducted by the President of that Commission and atleast one member thereof, sitting together:
Provided that where a member, for any reason, is unable to conduct a proceeding till it is completed, the President and the other member shall continue the proceeding from the stage at which it was last heard by the previous member.
(2) On receipt of a complaint made under section 35, the District Commission may, by order, admit the complaint for being proceeded with or reject the same:
Provided that a complaint shall not be rejected under this section unless an opportunity of being heard has been given to the complainant:
Provided further that the admissibility of the complaint shall ordinarily be decided within twenty-one days from the date on which the complaint was filed.
(3) Where the District Commission does not decide the issue of admissibility of the complaint within the period so specified, it shall be deemed to have been admitted.
Introduction
If rejection is proposed, ensure the complainant receives an opportunity to be heard. Do not reject a complaint without the statutory hearing opportunity.
Key takeaways
Who and when
District Commission proceedings require the President and at least one member, and the admission decision ordinarily follows within twenty-one days; silence beyond that period deems admission.
Operational step
Record the complaint filing date and the admission hearing or order.
Boundary
Do not treat deemed admission as proof of the complaint.
When the section matters
District Commission proceedings require the President and at least one member, and the admission decision ordinarily follows within twenty-one days; silence beyond that period deems admission.
Practical steps
Record the complaint filing date and the admission hearing or order. If rejection is proposed, ensure the complainant receives an opportunity to be heard. Track the twenty-one-day admission period and distinguish deemed admission from a merits decision.
- Record the complaint filing date and the admission hearing or order.
- If rejection is proposed, ensure the complainant receives an opportunity to be heard.
- Track the twenty-one-day admission period and distinguish deemed admission from a merits decision.
Example
If no admission decision is made within twenty-one days of filing, the complaint is deemed admitted and proceeds to the next stage.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the complaint filing date and the admission hearing or order.
- If rejection is proposed, ensure the complainant receives an opportunity to be heard.
- Track the twenty-one-day admission period and distinguish deemed admission from a merits decision.
Avoid
- Do not treat deemed admission as proof of the complaint.
- Do not reject a complaint without the statutory hearing opportunity.
Glossary
- Deemed admission
- The complaint’s statutory admission when the District Commission does not decide admissibility within the specified period.
Frequently asked questions
Does deemed admission mean the consumer wins?
No. It determines admissibility only; the merits are addressed under sections 38 and 39.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026