Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 66
Section 66: Experts to assist National Commission or State Commission
Section 66 allows the National or State Commission to direct an individual, organisation or expert to assist where a matter involves the larger interest of consumers.
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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
Where the National Commission or the State Commission, as the case may be, on an application by a complainant or otherwise, is of the opinion that it involves the larger interest of consumers, it may direct any individual or organisation or expert to assist the National Commission or the State Commission, as the case may be.
Introduction
If technical assistance is contemplated, identify the technical issue, relevant expertise and documents the expert may need while following the Commission’s direction.
Key takeaways
What the section does
Section 66 allows the National or State Commission to direct an individual, organisation or expert to assist where a matter involves the larger interest of consumers.
Operational response
If technical assistance is contemplated, identify the technical issue, relevant expertise and documents the expert may need while following the Commission’s direction.
Important boundary
The power depends on the Commission’s opinion about larger consumer interest. An expert assists the Commission; the text does not make that person a replacement decision-maker.
When the provision matters
Section 66 allows the National or State Commission to direct an individual, organisation or expert to assist where a matter involves the larger interest of consumers.
The power depends on the Commission’s opinion about larger consumer interest. An expert assists the Commission; the text does not make that person a replacement decision-maker.
Practical response
If technical assistance is contemplated, identify the technical issue, relevant expertise and documents the expert may need while following the Commission’s direction.
Decision points and records
Identify the technical question and potential conflicts of any proposed expert.
Do not present a private expert opinion as an automatic section 66 direction.
Example
A dispute about widespread battery failures prompts a State Commission to seek independent engineering assistance before assessing consumer impact.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Prepare clear technical records and product testing history.
- Identify the technical question and potential conflicts of any proposed expert.
Avoid
- Do not assume the expert’s assistance itself resolves the legal claim.
- Do not present a private expert opinion as an automatic section 66 direction.
Illustrative example
Section 66 in practice
A dispute about widespread battery failures prompts a State Commission to seek independent engineering assistance before assessing consumer impact.
Identify the statutory trigger
Section 66 allows the National or State Commission to direct an individual, organisation or expert to assist where a matter involves the larger interest of consumers.
Preserve the key record
Identify the technical question and potential conflicts of any proposed expert.
Apply the limit
The power depends on the Commission’s opinion about larger consumer interest. An expert assists the Commission; the text does not make that person a replacement decision-maker.
Outcome
- If technical assistance is contemplated, identify the technical issue, relevant expertise and documents the expert may need while following the Commission’s direction.
Glossary
- National Commission
- The national consumer dispute redressal forum under Chapter IV of the Act.
- Larger interest of consumers
- The Commission’s stated reason for directing expert or organisational assistance in a case affecting consumers more broadly.
Frequently asked questions
May a complainant ask for expert assistance?
Yes. The Commission may act on a complainant’s application or otherwise when it considers the larger interest of consumers involved.
Which Commissions may use section 66?
The National Commission or State Commission may direct assistance; the District Commission is not named.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026