Challenge in these two Appeals, under Section 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (for short the) is to the orders, both dated 10.08.2016 passed by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab at Chandigarh (for short the State Commission) in Consumer Complaints No.151 and 152 of 2016. By the impugned orders, the State Commission has closed the right of the Appellant to file their Written Versions as the same was not filed within the extended period of 45 days, as stipulated in the. Upon notice, the Complainants are represented by their Counsel. At the outset, learned Counsel for the Complainants submits that as per her instructions, the Complainants would not object if an opportunity is granted to the Appellant to file their Written Versions provided they are adequately compensated for the delay already caused in adjudication in the Complaints. Learned Counsel has also -1- urged that while determining the costs, the fact that the present Appeals are also barred by limitation, in as much as there is a delay of over 300 days in filing the same, may also be taken into consideration. Having regard to the submission made on behalf of the Complainants and bearing in mind the observations made by the Honble Supreme Court in

Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd. -3- And Anr. vs. (Diary No.2365 of M/s Mampee Timbers And Hardwares Pvt. Ltd. And Anr. we allow the Appeals and set aside the impugned orders with a direction that if 2017)

, the Appellant files Written Versions in both the Complaints within 30 days from today, the same shall be taken on record, subject to the Appellants paying to each of the Complainants a sum of 50,000/-. The costs shall be paid within four weeks from today. It would be open to the State Commission to grant time to the Complainants to file Rejoinder Affidavits and additional evidence, if so prayed. Both the Appeals stand disposed of in the above terms. ......................J D.K. JAIN PRESIDENT ...................... M. SHREESHA MEMBER