(1.) This matter has been taken up on priority basis in view of the order dtd. 21/3/2022, passed by the Supreme Court in SLP(C) 4281/2022. The said order reads thus:
(2.) As directed by the Supreme Court, I have heard learned Counsel for the parties on the issue of maintainability of the present petition under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, and proceed to pass orders thereon.
(3.) Mr. Pal, learned Counsel for the respondent, first invited my attention to Sec. 67 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 ("the Act", hereinafter), which reads thus: