VADODARA, Jan 19: The Vadodara District Consumer Redressal Forum has resumed its functions on a full-time basis, following the appointment of J Brahmbhatt as president in December. Non-judicial member Aruna Lakhani told Express Newsline on Tuesday that the forum was taking a serious view of the hearings and had decided to minimise adjournments to expedite disposal of the cases.``We are considering setting a goal of at least 150 settlements in a month so that the backlog can be cleared at the earliest,'' she added. Forum sources informed that while only 20 of the 1300 pending complaints from the city have been settled till date, the two non-judicial members, earlier blamed for irregular attendance, have been taking turns in being present at the court. ``They have divided work between two days each of the four working days,'' a forum official informed, requesting anonymity.
About the insufficient number of cases settled so far, the official rest the blame on advocates seeking adjournments or abstaining from the court proceedings. ``Many advocates frequently come up with excuses such as leave due to sickness and thus the work is hindered. Also, very few complainants have turned up for hearings so far. We'll be shortly issuing notices to them to be present at the court if they desire a settlement,'' he added.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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