Parliament passes Consumer Protection Bill, 2019
Parliament has passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, paving the way for stronger consumer rights and faster grievance redressal. The new legislation replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and introduces modern provisions to address evolving consumer needs.
The Bill proposes the establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights, while taking action against unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements and unsafe products. The authority will also have powers to order product recalls, refunds and returns.
Key features include simplified dispute resolution, e-filing of complaints, mediation mechanisms and the ability for consumers to file cases in the commission nearest to their place of residence. The legislation also introduces a dedicated product liability framework, making manufacturers, service providers and sellers accountable for defective products and deficient services.
The Bill further provides for regulations covering e-commerce and direct selling, with a focus on enhancing consumer protection in the digital marketplace.
