The complaint before the appropriate consumer forum can't be filed by:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A deceased consumer himself
Option (1) A legal heir or representative of deceased consumer — Can file a complaint (Incorrect). When the consumer has died, his legal heir or representative files the complaint on his behalf.
Option (2) A deceased consumer himself — Cannot file a complaint (Correct). A person who has died cannot file anything. That is why the law allows his legal heir or representative to file for him.
Option (3) The Central Government — Can file a complaint (Incorrect). The Central or any State Government can file a complaint in the interest of consumers.
Option (4) Any registered consumer association — Can file a complaint (Incorrect). A consumer association can file on behalf of consumers, even when they are not its members.
Note: Option (4) is worded as in the pre-rationalised NCERT, which was written under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. That book lists ‘any registered consumers’ association’ among those who can file a complaint. The current NCERT book (2026-27) follows the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and its definition of a complainant speaks of ‘any voluntary consumer association’ instead. The answer is the same under both Acts: a consumer association can file a complaint, but a deceased consumer cannot, so his legal heir or representative files it for him.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Terms & Definitions … Complainant: means one or more consumers, or any voluntary consumer association, central or state government or the central authority or a legal heir or legal representative or a parent or legal representative in case of a minor.” NCERT (Pre-rationalised Edition): “Who can file a complaint?: A complaint before the appropriate consumer forum can be made by: |