Context: Andhra Pradesh has been ranked first among 19 large and mid-sized states in the Consumer Justice Report 2026, indicating its strong performance in consumer dispute redressal. It is followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and West Bengal.
- The report highlights that the State has one of the lowest vacancy levels in District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions, with only a 6% shortfall in Presidents and 3% in members, reflecting relatively better institutional capacity.
- The State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has demonstrated efficiency in case disposal, with nearly 93% of cases cleared between 2020 and 2024 and only 4.75% of cases pending for more than three years.
- Between 2010 and 2024, around 19,000 cases were filed, of which 52% were first appeals and only 7% were consumer cases filed in original jurisdiction, indicating a high appellate burden. A large proportion of cases relate to insurance (about 34%), followed by housing and banking sectors.
- However, the report also identifies several challenges. As of 2025, the State Commission does not have a President and has a 25% shortage of members, pointing to gaps at the leadership level.
- At the district level, only 17 out of 26 districts have functioning commissions, limiting access to justice for many consumers. Delays remain a concern, as over 40% of cases take more than one year for disposal, with an average disposal time of 416 days, and only 25% of cases are resolved within the prescribed three-month period.
- The report also highlights issues of gender imbalance, noting that women constitute only 21% of the staff and that no woman has been appointed as President in recent years.
- At the national level, concerns have been raised about vacancies and delays weakening the effectiveness of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Overall, while Andhra Pradesh leads in consumer justice delivery, it must address vacancies, improve infrastructure, reduce delays and ensure better inclusivity to achieve more effective and accessible consumer justice.