The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered a re-examination of the petition filed by Cholamandalam Finance.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) held that a consumer complaint cannot be dismissed solely on the ground of non-joinder of a party without whom an effective order cannot be passed. The case involved a loan taken by the complainant from Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Ltd. (Appellant) for a vehicle purchase. The finance company failed to issue a No Objection Certificate and adjust a payment of Rs.1 lakh made directly to the dealer. The complainant filed a complaint, which was upheld by the District Commission and State Commission. The finance company appealed to the NCDRC, citing non-joinder of the dealer as a necessary party. The NCDRC observed that the dealer was originally a party to the complaint and could be included as a Performa respondent. The commission held that the appeal should not be dismissed due to procedural technicality and allowed the revision petition, directing the State Commission to add the dealer as a Performa respondent. The case highlights the importance of fairness in consumer disputes and the need to consider the principles of natural justice.