Consumer Clinic

The bar on law students to represent clients in Courts of Law is a major obstacle in offering clinical experiences to the students. To overcome such a situation, the College established a Consumer Clinic in the year 2007 to handle consumer disputes, where the aggrieved consumers can approach the Clinic for aid and advice. The student members along with the faculty in charge render advice to such aggrieved persons, and the matters are represented by the students before the Consumer Forums.

The Cell associates with the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the Government of Goa. It has trained the members regarding the importance of consumer rights, the relief available under the law, and the Grievance Redressal Agencies and Authorities available under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. More importantly, the students have been trained in drafting complaints, affidavit and other necessary documents to be submitted to the Consumer Forum.

The Clinic receives complaints directly from the consumers or through the Department of Civil Supplies, as well as through various the Free Legal Aid Cells that are functioning in the State of Goa. The students interview the consumer under the supervision of the faculty and prepare the details of the complaint. Thereafter the Clinic assists the clients at the meetings of the Conciliation Committee. In case of failure of conciliation, the Clinic helps the client to get further appropriate relief. The Clinic has successfully handled a number of cases and sought desired relief for the clients.