Question

Scenario:

A group of concerned citizens filed a complaint against a telecommunications company for allegedly violating certain provisions of the Consumer Act. They claimed that the company engaged in deceptive advertising practices and failed to provide the promised services to its customers.

The telecommunications company argued that the concerned citizens should have exhausted all administrative remedies before filing a complaint in court. They contended that the case should first be heard by the appropriate government agency which has primary jurisdiction over consumer complaints, in accordance with the principles of primary jurisdiction and exhaustion of administrative remedies.

Question:

1. Discuss the concept of primary jurisdiction and its purpose.
2. Explain the principle of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its significance in administrative law.
3. Do the concerned citizens need to exhaust all administrative remedies before filing a complaint in court? Discuss the applicable legal principles and justify your answer.