Wed Feb 05 16:01:05 UTC 2025: ## New Consumer Court Bench Opens in Belagavi, Aiming to Expedite Justice

**Belagavi, Karnataka, February 5, 2025** – A new permanent circuit bench of the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (KSCDRC) opened in Belagavi today, promising faster resolution of consumer disputes for residents of North Karnataka. The inauguration, attended by several ministers and officials, marks a significant step towards improving access to justice in the region.

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs K.H. Muniyappa stated that the bench is a key element in strengthening consumer protection, enabling swifter resolution of disputes related to defective goods, deficient services, and unfair trade practices. Previously, residents had to travel to Bengaluru to seek redressal, incurring significant time and expense.

Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism H.K. Patil emphasized the bench’s importance in addressing the over 2,000 pending consumer protection cases in Belagavi district alone. He highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring amendments for quicker dispute resolution and urged the commission to minimize delays. He also noted the bench’s role in utilizing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged past delays in establishing the bench due to a lack of office space, assuring that the government will provide necessary resources and manpower. BJP MP Jagadish Shettar, while welcoming the development, expressed concern over past delays in resolving cases, urging for prompt appointments to the commission and increased consumer awareness of their rights.

The new bench, established under the Consumer Protection Act, is expected to significantly benefit Belagavi and surrounding districts by providing easier access to justice and reducing the burden on the Bengaluru-based commission. The event was a joint effort of the KSCDRC, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the district administration, and the Belagavi District Advocates Association.

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