THE STATE OF GUJARAT vs RAJESH KUMAR CHIMANLAL BAROT

The Supreme Court held that the jurisdiction of Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums cannot be circumvented based on the nature of the parties or the amount involved. The Court found that the dispute regarding the subsidized electricity rate claimed by a Gram Panchayat did not legitimately fall within the purview of these forums. Consequently, the Court set aside the order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and dismissed the claim made by the respondents before the State Commission.