JUDGMENT :

(Vikram Nath, J.) :

Leave granted.

2. This appeal assails the correctness of the order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission¹[NCDRC], dated 01.04.2022 passed in Revision Petition No.161 of 2022, titled Smt. Annapurna B. Uppin and three others vs. Sh. Malsiddappa and another, whereby the revision was dismissed and the order passed by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission²[SCDRC] and the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum³[DCDRF] allowing the complaint of respondent No.1 and directing the Opposite Parties⁴[OP] No.1 to 5 therein to be jointly and severally liable to pay Rs.5 lakhs along with simple interest @ 18% p.a. from 21.05.2002 to 20.05.2012 with further interest @ 6% p.a. from 21.05.2012 onwards till realisation. Further, an amount of Rs.5,000/- was awarded towards compensation for mental agony and Rs.2,000/- towards costs to the respondent (the complainant).

3. Brief facts giving rise to the present appeal are summarised hereunder:

3.1. The respondent No.1 filed a complaint before the DCDRF, Dharwad, Karnataka, alleging that he had invested Rs. 5 Lakhs in the partnership firm M/s Annapurneshwari Cotton Co., Amargol, Hubli⁵[The Firm]