This batch of Revision Petitions has been filed against the order dated 27.7.2018, passed by the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Circuit Bench at Nashik (hereinafter referred to as “the State Commission”) whereby the Application seeking condonation of delay in filing the First Appeal before the State Commission has been dismissed on the ground that the explanation offered was not satisfactory. I have heard learned senior Counsel Mr.Inderbir Singh Alag, assisted by learned Counsel, Mr.Gaurav Gupta, on behalf of the Petitioner and Mr.Nandkishor H. Lahoti, learned Counsel for the Respondents. Learned senior Counsel, in all fairness, stated that there had been some misunderstanding and communication gap in filing the Application giving full particulars of the delay caused in filing the Appeal. However, it would be appropriate and in the interests of justice that the Appeal be heard on merits on appropriate terms and conditions, which may be imposed by this Commission. Mr.Lahoti, learned Counsel appearing for the Respondents stated that in the Application seeking condonation of delay filed before the State Commission, a misrepresentation has been made and therefore, the Petitioner does not deserve any leniency. Be that as it may, in view of the statement made by learned senior Counsel Mr.Alag stated above, I think it appropriate and in the interests of justice to give an opportunity to the Petitioner to appear before the State Commission with a request to the State Commission to decide all the Appeals on merit in accordance with law. I, therefore, set aside the impugned order dated 27.7.2018 passed by the State Commission and restore the matter on the file of the State Commission. The delay in filing all the First Appeals is condoned and all the First Appeals be treated as having been filed within limitation. The Appeals are to be decided on merits in accordance with law. I request the State Commission to decide all the Appeals expeditiously, preferably within a period of three months from the date when a certified copy of this order is filed before it, on or before 27.8.2019. The Petitioner shall not seek any adjournment in the matter. However, the Petitioner shall pay to each of the Complainant/Respondent in this batch of Revision Petitions, a sum of ₹20,000/- as costs within two weeks. I have been informed by learned Counsel for the parties that the State Commission, Maharashtra, holds its Circuit Bench sittings at Nashik in the last week of every month. Parties are, therefore, directed to appear before the Circuit Bench at Nasik on 27.8.2011. With the aforesaid observations all the Revision Petitions stand disposed of. Order dasti. |