India’s consumer dispute redressal system is grappling with severe structural challenges, with mounting case pendency and widespread vacancies significantly undermining its effectiveness, according to the Consumer Justice Report 2026 released on Wednesday. The report, published by the India Justice Report, was unveiled by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Sanjay Kishan Kaul, who raised concerns over the weakening institutional capacity of consumer commissions. Pendency, vacancies erode consumer confidence The report reveals that more than half of all president and member posts in State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs) were vacant in 2025. Simultaneously, over one-third of cases in these commissions have been pending for more than three years. This is in stark contrast to the mandate under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which envisages the timely disposal of cases. “Legislation loses meaning if the institutions tasked with implementing it are rendered non-functional,” Kaul said, adding that such gaps erode public trust in grievance redressal systems. Andhra Pradesh tops rankings, Maharashtra at 11 The report ranks states based on 11 indicators, including infrastructure, human resources, budget …