SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE Vs. VINOD & COMPANY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Delay condoned.

(2.) Leave granted.

(3.) This appeal raises an interesting issue as to whether a person who has made a claim under an REP licence issued in terms of the import and export policy (Exim policy) - in this case, the policy for April 1988 to March 1991 - is a consumer within the meaning of Section 2(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 "Act". Allied to this issue is whether in providing benefits under the terms of the Exim policy, the government renders a 'service' so as to make it amenable to the jurisdiction of the consumer fora established under the Act.