Chapter: 3.1.7 Consumer Disputes relating to Deficiency in Service

Consumer Disputes relating to Deficiency in Service:

While sale of goods for commercial purpose or for resale is not covered within the purview of the Act, no such distinction is made in the matter of rendering of services. Section 2(o) of the Act defines services as follows: " SERVICE MEANS SERVICE OF ANY DESCRIPTION WHICH IS MADE AVAILABLE TO POTENTIAL USERS AND INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN CONNECTION WITH BANKING, FINANCING INSURANCE, TRANSPORT, PROCESSING, SUPPLY OF ELECTRICAL OR OTHER ENERGY, BOARD OR LODGING OR BOTH, HOUSING CONSTRUCTION, ENTERTAINMENT, AMUSMENT OR THE PURVEYING OF NEWS OR OTHER INFORMATION BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE RENDERING OF ANY SERVICE FREE OF CHARGE OR UNDER A CONTRACT OF PERSONAL SERVICE."

Consumer Courts are saddled with a large number of cases alleging deficiency in service rendered by Telephone Dept., Insurance Companies, Builders, Hospitals, Stock Brokers, and Dealers & Manufacturing companies.