Section 9 in The Consumer Protection Act, 1986

9. Establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies. There shall be established for the purposes of this Act, the following agencies, namely:--

(a) a Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to be known as the" District Forum" established by the State Government 3[ in each district of the State by notification: 4[ Provided that the State Government may, if it deems fit, establish more than one District Forum in a district.]

(b) a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to be known as the" State Commission" established by the State Government 3[ in the State by notification; and

Composition of the District Forum. Composition of the District Forum. 5[ (1) Each District Forum shall consist of--

(a) a person who is, or has been or is qualified to be a District Judge, who shall be its President;

(b) two other members, who shall be persons of ability, integrity and standing, and have adequate knowledge or experience of, or have shown capacity in dealing with, problems relating to economics, law, commerce, accountancy, industry, public affairs or administration, one of whom shall be a woman.]

(1A) 6[ Every appointment under sub- section (1) shall be made by the State Government on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the following, namely:--

(i) President of the State Commission-- Chairman,

(ii) Secretary, Law Department of the State-- Member,

(iii) Secretary incharge of the Department dealing with cun- sumer affairs in the State-- Members.]

(2) Every member of the District Forum shall hold office for a term of five years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, and shall not be eligible for re- appointment:

1. Ins. by Act 50 of 1993, s. 5 (w. e. f. 18- 6- 1993 ). 2 Subs. by s. 6, ibid (w. e. f. 18- 6- 1993 ). 3 Certain words omitted by s. 7, ibid (w. e. f. 18- 6- 1993 ). 4 Ins. by s. 7, ibid. 5 Subs. s. 8, ibid (w. e. f. 18- 6- 1993 ). 6 Ins. by s. 8, ibid (w. e. f. 18- 6- 1993 ).

Provided that a member may resign his office in writing under his hand addressed to the State Government and on such resignation being accepted, his office shall become vacant and may be filled by the appointment of a person possessing any of the qualifications mentioned in sub- section (1) in relation to the category of the member who has resigned.

(3) The salary or honorarium and other allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of the members of the District Forum shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.