President gives its approval for the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 which aims to protect the rights of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute.
The Bill will replace the more than three decades old Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
The following Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on the 09-08-2019.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
An Act to provide for the protection of the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
This new legislation will ease the overall process of consumer grievance redressal. Further, it proposes setting up of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class. The CCPA would make interventions to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices. The agency can also initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products.
There will be an exclusive law dealing with Product Liability. A manufacturer or product service provider or product seller will now be responsible to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in services.
The Bill also enables regulations to be notified on E-commerce and direct selling with a focus on the protection of interest of consumers.
*Please refer the Act here: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Ministry of Law an Justice