CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL, 2019

July 31, 2019

The Lok Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill 2019. The bill aims at protecting the interests of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute.

Salient Features of the Bill:

There is provision for central government to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers and will be empowered to investigate, recall, refund and impose penalties. It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.
Mediation: It provides for an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. Mediation cells will be attached to Consumer Forum.
It ensures Ease of approaching Consumer Commission and Simplification of Adjudication process.
It provides for Deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products.
There are Provision for rules for new age consumer issues: e-commerce & direct selling.
Product Liability: A manufacturer or product service provider or product seller will be responsible to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in services.