Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: September 09, 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Jeevan Prakash Hospital and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd. (Appellant) vs. New India Assurance Co. Ltd. & Anr. (Respondent).
  • Appeal against order dated 03.06.2024 passed by the National Consumers Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in First Appeal No.151/2013.
  • Appellant counsel Mr. Atulesh Kumar argued that the impugned judgment was issued by a single member (President) of the NCDRC, rendering the coram incomplete and warranting remand for fresh adjudication.
  • Respondent counsel acknowledged digital signature by Rashi Gupta but contended that the President has authority to pass such orders.
  • The Court referenced its prior judgments (Civil Appeal No.6569 of 2023 disposed on 10.05.2024 and Civil Appeal No.3953 of 2018 disposed on 28.08.2024) establishing that a judgment by a single tribunal member constitutes an incomplete coram.
  • Accordingly, the Court set aside the NCDRC order dated 03.06.2024 and remitted the matter back to the NCDRC for a fresh decision, without expressing any opinion on the merits.

Final Outcome

  • Impugned NCDRC judgment dated 03.06.2024 is set aside.
  • Matter remitted to NCDRC for fresh adjudication.
  • Parties directed to appear before the Registrar of NCDRC on 24.09.2026 for scheduling of arguments before the Bench.
  • Each party to bear its own costs.
  • Any pending applications, if any, are stood disposed of.

Topics: Legal, Consumer Disputes