Education is not a commodity and Student is not a Consumer

District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum rejected the plea of the youth sought refund of the Rs 3.52 lakh fee paid by him as allegedly not providing him with an internship or job as promised at the time of admission by the Institute.
However, Consumer Forum rejected the contention and observed that “education is not a commodity” Institutions are not service providers and the complainant is not a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act.
Complainant also sought compensation of Rs 40,000 on account of mental pain and agony and deficiency in service from the institute and its Executive Director.
Supreme Court, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and a state commission, all of which had reteirated the same approach.