(1) For the purpose of settling disputes between buyers and sellers, or their agents, including any disputes regarding the quality or weight or payment of any agricultural produce or, any matter in relating to the regulation of marketing of agricultural produce in the market area, the Market Committee of that area shall constitute [* * * *] a [Dispute Sub-Committee].
[(2) The Dispute Sub-Committee shall consist of-
(a) the Vice-Chairman of the Market Committee, who shall be the Chairman of the Dispute Sub-Committee;
(b) two members of a committee representing Agriculturists whether elected or nominated;
(c) one member of a committee representing the traders whether elected or nominated;
(d) one member from amongst persons who, in the opinion of the Director, are experts in marketing of agricultural produce.
The members referred to in clauses (b) and (c) shall be designated by the Market Committee and the member referred to in clause (d) shall be nominated by the Director. Where a dispute is in respect of cotton, then in the place of the member representing the traders, the Maharashtra State Co-operative Cotton Growers Federation Limited shall appoint a member on the Dispute Sub-Committee one of its officers [other than the grader] who shall not be lower in rank than that of a Sub-Zonal Manager of the said Federation. Where the State Government appoints any person or authority other than the said Federation as its agent for sale or purchase of cotton, then such member shall be appointed by that agent.
[(3) The Secretary of the Market Committee shall act as the Member-Secretary of the Dispute Sub-Committee who shall have no right of vote. Three members shall form the quorum. The Dispute Sub-Committee shall record its decision in writing. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Dispute Sub-Committee may,-
(a) in case of perishable agricultural produce, such as fruits, vegetables and fishes, within six hours from the communication of the decision to him, appeal to the Secretary of the concerned Market Committee who shall dispose of the such appeal within further six hours; and
(b) in case of any other perishable agricultural produce, within twenty-four hours from the communication of the decision to him and in case of other agricultural produce, within three days from the date on which the decision is communicated to him, appeal to the concerned District Deputy Registrar of co-operative societies who shall dispose of the appeal in case of perishable agricultural produce within twenty-four hours and in case of any other agricultural produce, within seven days from the date of receipt of the appeal.]
(4) The Dispute Sub-Committee may make rules for the conduct of its business including the rules regarding the payment of the amount of deposit (anamat), if any, to be made to it.
[(5) The Secretary of the market Committee or the District Deputy Registrar, as the case may be, shall record his decision in appeal under sub-section (3), in writing and it shall be final.]
[(6) In each market area, considering the scope and requirement of the business in the market, the Director shall, fix the number of hamals, weighmen and measurers.]]