Strengthening Consumer Justice: ACC Appoints Retired IPS and IFS Officers as Members of NCDRC
In a strategic move to fortify the quasi-judicial framework of India’s top consumer watchdog, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has cleared the induction of two veteran civil servants into the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). Following a rigorous vetting process by the Search-cum-Selection Committee of the Department of Consumer Affairs, these appointments aim to infuse the commission with diverse administrative and legal expertise.
The new members will serve a five-year tenure or until they attain the age of 67 years, whichever milestone is reached first.
The New Appointments: A Profile of Excellence
The two appointees bring nearly seven decades of combined experience in law enforcement, forest conservation, and rural governance to the national stage:
Pidaparthi Venkata Rama Sastry (Retd. IPS, 1989 Batch): A decorated officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Mr. Sastry has held several high-stakes roles, most notably serving as the Director General of Police (Prisons) in Uttar Pradesh. His deep understanding of the legal system and investigative procedures is expected to streamline the adjudication of complex consumer cases.
Shashi Nandkeolyar (Retd. IFoS, 1986 Batch): Representing the Jharkhand cadre, Mr. Nandkeolyar’s career is marked by a blend of environmental stewardship and grassroots development. He previously served as the Director of the State Institute of Rural Development in Jharkhand. His expertise in administrative law and rural demographics will be pivotal in addressing grievances from India’s diverse consumer base.
The Role and Reach of the NCDRC
The NCDRC is the highest tier of the three-tier consumer grievance redressal mechanism established under the Consumer Protection Act. It serves as the final authority (short of the Supreme Court) for consumers seeking justice against unfair trade practices and defective services.
Key Functions of the Commission:
High-Stakes Adjudication: Handling original complaints where the value of goods or services exceeds ₹2 Crore.
Appellate Jurisdiction: Reviewing orders passed by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
Policy Integrity: Ensuring that corporate entities and service providers adhere to fair-trade standards.
Selection Criteria and Governance
The appointment of Mr. Sastry and Mr. Nandkeolyar was the result of a comprehensive selection cycle. The Search-cum-Selection Committee evaluated candidates on three primary pillars:
Professional Integrity: A clean and distinguished track record in the civil services.
Judicial Temperament: The ability to evaluate evidence and deliver balanced, statutory-compliant rulings.
Public Service Impact: Previous contributions to governance that align with the welfare-centric goals of consumer protection.
By appointing administrators with backgrounds in police and forest services, the government is diversifying the NCDRC bench, which has traditionally been dominated by members of the judiciary and general administration.
