Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 52
Section 52: Hearing of appeal
State and National Commission appeals are ordinarily heard expeditiously, with a ninety-day disposal aim and reasons required for delay; adjournments require sufficient cause.
On this page
Need advice on Section 52?
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
An appeal filed before the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, shall be heard as expeditiously as possible and every endeavour shall be made to dispose of the appeal within a period of ninety days from the date of its admission:
Provided that no adjournment shall ordinarily be granted by the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, unless sufficient cause is shown and the reasons for grant of adjournment have been recorded in writing by such Commission:
Provided further that the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, shall make such orders as to the costs occasioned by the adjournment, as may be specified by regulations:
Provided also that in the event of an appeal being disposed of after the period so specified, the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, shall record in writing the reasons for the same at the time of disposing of the said appeal.
Introduction
Request adjournment only with sufficient cause and expect a recorded reason. Do not expect adjournments merely because a party prefers more time.
Key takeaways
Who and when
State and National Commission appeals are ordinarily heard expeditiously, with a ninety-day disposal aim and reasons required for delay; adjournments require sufficient cause.
Operational step
Prepare the appeal record and written issues early for the ninety-day target.
Boundary
Do not treat ninety days as automatic expiry of the appeal.
When the section matters
State and National Commission appeals are ordinarily heard expeditiously, with a ninety-day disposal aim and reasons required for delay; adjournments require sufficient cause.
Practical steps
Prepare the appeal record and written issues early for the ninety-day target. Request adjournment only with sufficient cause and expect a recorded reason. Track any order on adjournment costs and the Commission’s recorded reason if disposal exceeds the target.
- Prepare the appeal record and written issues early for the ninety-day target.
- Request adjournment only with sufficient cause and expect a recorded reason.
- Track any order on adjournment costs and the Commission’s recorded reason if disposal exceeds the target.
Example
A National Commission appeal needing an adjournment records the reason and may attract costs; disposal after ninety days requires reasons in writing.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Prepare the appeal record and written issues early for the ninety-day target.
- Request adjournment only with sufficient cause and expect a recorded reason.
- Track any order on adjournment costs and the Commission’s recorded reason if disposal exceeds the target.
Avoid
- Do not treat ninety days as automatic expiry of the appeal.
- Do not expect adjournments merely because a party prefers more time.
Glossary
- Adjournment
- A postponement of an appeal hearing, ordinarily requiring sufficient cause and recorded reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Is an appeal automatically decided after ninety days?
No. Section 52 directs expedition and recording of reasons for delay; it does not create automatic disposal.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026