Background: The Bombay High Court recently heard a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a consumer rights organization, seeking directions to the state government to fill up vacant posts in consumer forums across the state. Parties: The PIL was filed by the Consumer Welfare Association, while the respondents included the State of Maharashtra and the Consumer Protection Council. Legal issues: The main issue before the court was whether the state government had failed in its duty to ensure that the consumer forums were functioning effectively by not filling up vacant posts. Court observations: The Bombay High Court directed the state government to fill up the vacant posts in consumer forums within a period of six months. The court observed that the consumer forums were an important mechanism for redressing consumer grievances and that the state government had a duty to ensure that they were functioning effectively. Significance: The order is significant as it will ensure that consumer grievances are redressed in a timely and effective manner. The direction passed by the court will also ensure that the consumer forums are able to function independently and impartially. The case highlights the importance of the consumer protection mechanism in protecting the rights of consumers and promoting consumer welfare.