Government Servant is not a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 for the purposes of claims pertaining to retiring benefits

Whether Government Servant fall under the definition of a “consumer” and thus entitled to claim his retiral benefits due under his service conditions and regulations.

The Apex Court answered NO, as the government servant for the purposes of claiming his retiral benefits due under the service condition is not a consumer and thus the appropriate forum, for redressal of any his grievance may be the Administrative Tribunal, or Civil Court but certainly not a Consumer Forum constituted under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The apex court held that the legal position as well settled clearly lays down that jurisdiction is something which is administered by legislation and it is not a matter of choice which can be waived by Party or Court. 

Dr. Jagmittar Sain Bhagat vs. Dir. Health Services, Haryana & Ors.
(SC, 15.07.2013)