In a recent ruling, the Calcutta High Court emphasized that consumer forums in India do not have the authority to issue arrest warrants, unlike criminal courts. Instead, these forums are only empowered to issue civil detention orders to ensure compliance with judgments. The clarification came in response to a case where a branch manager was erroneously issued an arrest warrant by the District Consumer Forum in relation to a dispute over automobile payments. This ruling serves as a reminder of the limitations of consumer forums in enforcing their decisions and highlights the need for proper legal procedures to be followed in such matters. By shedding light on the distinction between criminal and civil enforcement powers, the High Court’s decision aims to prevent overreach and ensure that individuals are not subjected to unwarranted actions by consumer forums. This case underscores the importance of upholding legal standards and protecting the rights of all parties involved in consumer disputes. For more updates on legal matters and court rulings in India, stay tuned to our platform.