Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’) has come into force with effect from July 20, 2020. It replaced the 34 years old Consumer Protection Act 1986, originally published on December 24, 1986. The Act is an attempt to update the 1986 Act to cope up with the introduction of online marketplaces and e-commerce.

The Lok Sabha had passed the Consumer Protection Bill, on July 30, 2019, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on August 6 the same year. This Bill was introduced in the Parliament by Mr Ram Vilas Paswan (Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution).

What is Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

As per The Gazette of India published by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice on August 9, 2019, “An Act to provide for 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.”

In other words, it is a Law to protect the interests of the Consumers.

Why is there a Separate Act for Consumer Protection?

  1. To resolve a large number of pending Consumer disputes;
  2. Provide ways to address consumers’ grievances effectively and efficiently;
  3. Strengthening the Rights of consumers by establishing the necessary Authorities.

Features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

This Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism has been carried out to sort out consumer disputes, either in parts or as a whole, much quicker;

Level of Commission Accepts complaints where the value of the Goods or Services paid as consideration…
District Does not exceed INR 1 crore
State Exceeds INR 1 crore, but does not exceed INR 10 crores
National Exceeds INR 10 crores

Penalties:

  1. Punishment for misleading advertisements: Fine/penalty from Rs 10 lakhs and an imprisonment up to 2 years TO Rs 50 lakhs and imprisonment up to 5 years.
  2. Failure to follow instructions of the CCPA for recall of goods and withdrawal of services: Punishment involving imprisonment up to 6 months OR fine up to Rs. 20 lakhs.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is considered better than the former Act. The roles of all parties involved in the transactions have been clearly stated, holding each accountable for their actions. Hence, the Act ensures that the Consumers are not being exploited in the wrong manner.

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