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Commercial plot buyer is a 'consumer'

A person who buys a commercial plot to earn his livelihood  is a 'consumer' within the definition in the Consumer Protection Act, the Supreme Court ruled while setting aside the view of the National Consumer Commission in the case, Sanjay Joshi vs Municipal Board, Laxmangarh.  Sanjay was the lowest bidder in the auction for commercial plots and he paid security amount. Later he came to know that the plot was caught in  civil litigation and the municipal board could not sell it. He wanted to withdraw the security amount, which the board forfeited. He moved the district consumer forum which asked the board to return the money with  interest. The state commission confirmed it. However, the National Commission took the view that since the buyer wanted to start a business in the plot, he was not a consumer. On appeal, the Supreme Court reversed the decision and stated that since he an unemployed person who wanted to make a living, he came within the definition of consumer.

 Article referred: http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/protection-for-sick-units-from-creditors-114110200712_1.html

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