Goods and services hired for commercial use not covered by Consumer Protection Act

The Supreme Court last week stated that goods and services hired for commercial purposes cannot be the subject matter of a consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act. It set aside the judgment of the National Consumer Commission in the case, Birla Technologies Ltd Vs Neutral Glass and Allied Industries Ltd. Birla Technologies developed software for Neutral Glass and later there were complaints about the modules. Neutral Glass moved the consumer commission. It held that though the company was not a consumer under the definition, since the complaint was lodged within the warranty period, it could get relief. Birla Technologies appealed to the Supreme Court. It stated that since the complainant used the goods and services for commercial purposes, its complaint was not maintainable.

NF