Former Top Bureaucrats P.V. Rama Sastry and Shashi Nandkeolyar Appointed to National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
In a move to strengthen the country’s apex consumer protection body, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has officially sanctioned the induction of two veteran administrators to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).
Following the recommendations of a high-level Search-cum-Selection Committee under the Department of Consumer Affairs, the government has appointed Shri Pidaparthi Venkata Rama Sastry and Shri Shashi Nandkeolyar as Members of the Commission.
Both officers bring decades of specialized experience in law enforcement, resource management, and public administration to the bench. Their appointments are effective for a five-year tenure or until they reach the age of 67, whichever occurs earlier.
Profiles of the New Appointees
1. Shri Pidaparthi Venkata Rama Sastry (IPS: 1989, UP Cadre)
A decorated officer of the Indian Police Service, P.V. Rama Sastry has a distinguished track record in internal security and correctional administration.
Key Roles: Before his retirement, he served as the Director General of Police (Prisons), Uttar Pradesh, where he led significant prison reforms.
National Experience: He has held pivotal central assignments, including serving as the Special DG of the Border Security Force (BSF) and as an Inspector General in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Legacy: His expertise in law and order was prominently recognized during his tenure as ADG (Law and Order) in Uttar Pradesh during the critical Ayodhya verdict period.
2. Shri Shashi Nandkeolyar (IFoS: 1986, Jharkhand Cadre)
Representing the Indian Forest Service, Shri Nandkeolyar brings an extensive background in environmental governance and rural development.
Key Roles: He previously served as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and as the Director of the State Institute of Rural Development in Jharkhand.
Expertise: His career has been marked by a focus on sustainable development and grassroots administration, skills that are increasingly vital for adjudicating complex consumer disputes involving land, environment, and rural services.
Strengthening the Apex Consumer Bench
The NCDRC, headquartered in New Delhi, is a quasi-judicial body empowered to hear consumer grievances involving claims exceeding ₹2 crore. The addition of these officers is expected to:
Expedite Case Disposal: Help clear the backlog of high-value consumer disputes.
Diverse Perspectives: Integrate legal and administrative nuances from various sectors (Police, NIA, and Rural Development) into consumer protection rulings.
Fair Adjudication: Ensure that the “ability, integrity, and standing” required under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, are maintained at the highest level of the judiciary.
