Alok Singh
The Delhi High Court, on 23 December 2024, directed Consumer Commissions in Delhi to ensure strict compliance with the 2014 Regulations regarding representation by agents or non-advocates.
The Court held that non-advocates appearing based on authority letters from advocates should no longer be permitted. It further directed the Commissions to provide details of pending cases involving such representation. The Bar Council of Delhi and the Bar Council of India were required to file counter affidavits addressing the issues raised.
Justice Sanjeev Narula issued the order in Anuj Kumar Chauhan & Anr. v. Lieutenant Governor NCT of Delhi & Ors., wherein the petitioners, practising advocates, raised concerns about non-advocates representing parties in Consumer Courts without proper authorization.
The practitioners alleged that such practices violated the Consumer Protection Regulations, 2014. Regulation 3 permits parties to be represented through non-advocates, subject to a duly authenticated authorization made by a party in favour of such non-advocates, which is allegedly not followed.
In light of this, the Court observed misuse of these provisions through improper authorization letters delegating core legal responsibilities to non-advocates, undermining the Advocates Act of 1961.
The Court issued notices and sought responses from parties within four weeks and rejoinders within two weeks. Further, the case has been re-notified for 18 March 2025.
Case Name: Anuj Kumar Chauhan & Anr. v. Lieutenant Governor NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) 17737/2024
Bench: Justice Sanjeev Narula