DoT suggests that consumer complaints be filed at consumer courts rather than TRAI

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has stated that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) does not have the necessary infrastructure to resolve individual consumer grievances effectively and efficiently. DoT has thus suggested that these complaints be instead taken to consumer courts.

The statement comes in part of DoT’s recommendations on the amendments to the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The consumer affairs department had recently sought DoT’s views on the necessary amendments to the Act, before moving a Cabinet note.

DoT has however maintained that class action limited to licenced telecom services should be left to TRAI for legal enforcement. Along with this, the DoT has strongly defended Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal?s jurisdiction on adjudication of disputes between groups of consumers and telecom operators, citing Section 14 of the TRAI Act.