Question

According to The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 what is the limitation period applicable to the three forums in entertaining a complaint

• A. 2 years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen
• B. 2 years from which the article was purchased
• C. 3 years
• D. None of the above

Hint:

In limitation law, the starting point of the limitation period is as important as the duration itself. For consumer cases, remember it's 2 years from the date of the cause of action, not the date of purchase. This is a crucial distinction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the period of limitation for filing a complaint before the consumer forums (District Forum, State Commission, and National Commission) under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The relevant provision is Section 24A of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Section 24A. Limitation period.—
(1) The District Forum, the State Commission or the National Commission shall not admit a complaint unless it is filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a complaint may be entertained after the period specified in sub-section (1), if the complainant satisfies the District Forum, the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, that he had sufficient cause for not filing the complaint within such period.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Act provides a clear limitation period of two years. Crucially, this period starts from the date the "cause of action" arises, not necessarily from the date of purchase. The cause of action is the event or set of facts that gives the consumer the right to sue (e.g., the day a defect is discovered, the day a service is refused, etc.). Option (A) correctly states both the period (2 years) and the starting point (date of cause of action).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The limitation period is 2 years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen.