C. Venkatachalam vs Ajitkumar C. Shah & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court's ruling that authorized agents can represent parties before the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, without being enrolled as advocates. The Court emphasized that the Consumer Forum has 'trappings of a civil court' but is not bound by the formalities of the Code of Civil Procedure, allowing for a more accessible process for consumers. The judgment clarified that the right to appear includes the ability to address the court and engage in examination and cross-examination, thus reinforcing consumer rights under the Act.