Lok Sabha Passes Consumer Protection Bill, 2019
The Lok Sabha has passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 after detailed consideration and discussion. The legislation aims to strengthen the protection of consumer rights and ensure faster and more effective grievance redressal.
The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan, stated that the Bill is designed to safeguard consumer interests by establishing dedicated authorities for timely dispute resolution.
Minister of State Raosaheb Patil Danve added that the legislation simplifies the consumer grievance process and ensures quicker justice for consumers.
Key Features of the Bill
The Bill provides for the creation of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), empowered to:
- Investigate violations of consumer rights
- Order recall of unsafe goods and services
- Act against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements
- Impose penalties and initiate prosecution
Strengthening Consumer Dispute Resolution
The Bill introduces reforms to improve efficiency in consumer courts:
- Increased pecuniary jurisdiction of Consumer Commissions
- Faster admissibility of complaints
- E-filing and hearings via video conferencing
- Appeals restricted to questions of law after second stage
Mediation and Product Liability
- Introduction of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism
- Mandatory product liability provisions holding manufacturers and service providers accountable for defects or deficiencies
The Bill also aims to address emerging consumer issues, including those related to e-commerce and direct selling, while enabling faster and more accessible justice delivery mechanisms.
