The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to frame within four months model rules prescribing objective norms for administration of consumer courts. <br/><br/>Expressing concern over the working of consumer courts, including the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, a three-judge bench, comprising of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and L. Nageswara Rao, yesterday said, a systemic overhaul of the entire infrastructure is necessary if the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is not to become a dead letter. <br/><br/>The apex court issued directions, clarifying the role, powers and functions of the National Consumer Commission, State consumer commissions and district consumer fora to ensure the mechanism to protect consumers from unfair trade practices is strengthened. The Court asked the Centre and states to intervene immediately to set right the system and fill up the vacancies of members in these courts.