Governance
Consumer Protection Bill, 2019
- 31 Jul 2019
- 2 min read
Recently, the Lok Sabha has passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, which seeks to strengthen the consumer rights and provides a mechanism for redressal of complaints regarding defects in goods and deficiency in services.
- Apart from setting up of authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes, the bill also seeks to bring in e-commerce under their jurisdiction and hold celebrities accountable for false and misleading advertisements of products that they endorse.
- Apart from the consumer courts at the district, state and national level, the bill proposes a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights as a class and protect them from unfair trade practices.
- CCPA, envisaged as a regulator, can file a class action suit if required and would take immediate action on any consumer complaint.
- The bill proposes strict action against the advertiser in case of misleading advertisements but not against the media through which the advertisement is being publicised.
- Celebrities can be fined up to ₹10 lakh. For repeat offences, this may rise to ₹50 lakh, with a jail term of up to five years
- It also provides for product liability action on account of harm caused to consumers due to defective products or deficient services.
- The Bill will replace the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
