Chapter V - Mediation
Section 74
Section 74: Establishment of consumer mediation cell
Section 74 requires consumer mediation cells attached to District and State Commissions, and to the National Commission and its regional Benches.
On this page
Need advice on Section 74?
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) The State Government shall establish, by notification, a consumer mediation cell to be attached to each of the District Commissions and the State Commissions of that State.
(2) The Central Government shall establish, by notification, a consumer mediation cell to be attached to the National Commission and each of the regional Benches.
(3) A consumer mediation cell shall consist of such persons as may be prescribed.
(4) Every consumer mediation cell shall maintain— (a) a list of empanelled mediators; (b) a list of cases handled by the cell; (c) record of proceeding; and (d) any other information as may be specified by regulations.
(5) Every consumer mediation cell shall submit a quarterly report to the District Commission, State Commission or the National Commission to which it is attached, in the manner specified by regulations.
Introduction
When a dispute is referred to mediation, confirm the attached cell, its panel and administrative contact; keep settlement communications linked to the pending complaint.
Key takeaways
What the section does
Section 74 requires consumer mediation cells attached to District and State Commissions, and to the National Commission and its regional Benches.
Operational response
When a dispute is referred to mediation, confirm the attached cell, its panel and administrative contact; keep settlement communications linked to the pending complaint.
Important boundary
The cell maintains mediator lists, case lists and proceedings and reports quarterly. Its establishment does not itself settle a dispute or remove the Commission’s adjudicatory role.
When the provision matters
Section 74 requires consumer mediation cells attached to District and State Commissions, and to the National Commission and its regional Benches.
The cell maintains mediator lists, case lists and proceedings and reports quarterly. Its establishment does not itself settle a dispute or remove the Commission’s adjudicatory role.
Practical response
When a dispute is referred to mediation, confirm the attached cell, its panel and administrative contact; keep settlement communications linked to the pending complaint.
Decision points and records
Confirm the mediation referral is logged with the correct attached cell and case number.
Do not send signed settlement documents to an unrelated mediation cell.
Example
A seller receives a mediation referral from a District Commission and checks the attached cell’s case reference and nominated mediator before attending.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Use the attached cell’s official case and mediator records.
- Confirm the mediation referral is logged with the correct attached cell and case number.
Avoid
- Do not mistake referral to a cell for a final settlement order.
- Do not send signed settlement documents to an unrelated mediation cell.
Illustrative example
Section 74 in practice
A seller receives a mediation referral from a District Commission and checks the attached cell’s case reference and nominated mediator before attending.
Identify the statutory trigger
Section 74 requires consumer mediation cells attached to District and State Commissions, and to the National Commission and its regional Benches.
Preserve the key record
Confirm the mediation referral is logged with the correct attached cell and case number.
Apply the limit
The cell maintains mediator lists, case lists and proceedings and reports quarterly. Its establishment does not itself settle a dispute or remove the Commission’s adjudicatory role.
Outcome
- When a dispute is referred to mediation, confirm the attached cell, its panel and administrative contact; keep settlement communications linked to the pending complaint.
Glossary
- Consumer mediation cell
- The cell attached to a consumer Commission for the statutory mediation process.
- Quarterly report
- The consumer mediation cell’s periodic report to the Commission to which it is attached.
Frequently asked questions
Who establishes the mediation cells?
State Governments establish cells for District and State Commissions; the Central Government establishes them for the National Commission and regional Benches.
What records must a cell maintain?
At minimum it keeps the mediator panel, handled-case list and proceeding record, plus information specified by regulations.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026