The State government will deploy civil police officers currently serving with magistrate and sessions courts to assist District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions across Kerala.

The State government communicated the decision to the Kerala High Court the other day.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar noted that the police personnel would specifically assist the Commissions in executing summons, warrants and orders, with an emphasis on the attachment of properties while enforcing orders.

The court directed the State to keep it apprised of the progress in the creation of new posts to assist the Commissions. The State was also instructed to report the number of CPOs deployed to the various Commissions and whether the forums were functioning smoothly.

The Bench had previously expressed serious concern over the lack of police assistance for the Commissions and its impact on the discharge of their functions. It had also emphasised that without effective deterrent action against non-compliance with orders, the authority of the Commissions could potentially be undermined.

The court was considering a petition filed by advocate C.K. Mithran, who raised issues regarding the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in the State. He highlighted various shortcomings with respect to the constitution of the Commissions, including a shortage of staff and the need to attach sufficient police officers. He also sought the establishment of mediation cells and State and district consumer protection councils.

Published - August 10, 2026 10:25 pm IST