If multiple respondents reside in different jurisdictions, which consumer forum has the jurisdiction to entertain the petition and adjudicate the matter ?
The Consumer Protection Act states that incase a complaint is being filed against more than one respondents and some of them are not residing within the jurisdiction of the Commission in which the complaint is instituted, the permission of the complainant needs to be taken. However, in case the complainant has not taken permission, the Commission has the power to grant such permission at a later stage. If, however the opposite party has accepted the jurisdiction of the forum, even by implication, he would be estopped from raising any objection at a later stage.
