Expressing dismay at the "insensitive" attitude of Maharashtra government,the Bombay High Court today directed it to initiate process to fill up vacant posts of chairpersons and members in various district consumer forums across the state within four weeks. "It is really unfortunate that the state government has shown complete insensitivity towards the issue of filling up the vacancies of 12 posts of president and 33 posts of members in district forums in the state," a division bench headed by Justice D D Sinha observed. The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO 'Mumbai Grahak Panchayat' stating that out of the 40 consumer district forums across Maharashtra,19 are non-functional due to the vacant posts of presidents and members. "The inaction on part of the government is undoubtedly adversely affecting the functioning of the district forums. The government is directed to take immediate and urgent steps to fill up the vacancies," the court ordered. The government has been directed to initiate the process of appointments within four weeks and complete the same at the earliest. The court has asked the government to file an affidavit on May 9. Advocate Uday Warunjikar appearing for the petitioner informed the court that even the State Consumer Protection Council,which was established in year 2003,is non-functional and has not held any meeting. The law directs the council to hold meeting twice a year. The court directed the government to see to it that the council holds its meeting and discusses problems faced by the consumers.
