- Inclusion of E-commerce: The act brings all e-commerce transactions under its purview, ensuring that consumers are protected when they shop online.
- Establishment of CCPA: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers as a class. It can conduct investigations, recall unsafe goods, and impose penalties.
- Product Liability: For the first time, a product liability clause has been introduced. A manufacturer or service provider can be held responsible for compensating a consumer for any harm caused by a defective product or deficient service.
- Mediation: The act provides for mediation as an Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism, making the process of resolving disputes simpler and quicker.
- Unfair Trade Practices: The definition of Unfair Trade Practices has been expanded to include practices like failing to issue a bill, refusing to accept returned goods, or sharing personal information without consent.
- Simplified Complaint Filing: Consumers can now file complaints in a consumer commission located where they reside or work, rather than where the seller is located.
Know Your Consumer Rights
Empowerment begins with knowledge. Understand the rights you are entitled to as a consumer.
The Six Fundamental Consumer Rights
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provides for the following fundamental rights to safeguard consumers' interests.
Right to Safety
This right protects you against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. It applies to areas like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, as well as products such as electrical appliances and automobiles. You have the right to demand quality and safety guarantees.
Right to be Informed
You have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services. This is to protect you from unfair trade practices. Sellers must provide you with all necessary information to make an informed choice before you purchase.
Right to Choose
This right ensures that you have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. In a competitive market, you have the right to choose the product or service that best suits your needs. This right is intended to prevent monopolies and restrictive trade practices.
Right to be Heard
This right guarantees that your interests as a consumer will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes the right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare. This ensures your voice is not ignored in policy-making or in case of a grievance.
Right to Seek Redressal
You have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or the restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. This right ensures you can get your complaints resolved and receive compensation for any loss or suffering. The consumer courts are established for this purpose.
Right to Consumer Education
This right ensures you have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be an informed consumer throughout life. Being aware of your rights and the legal remedies available is crucial for your protection. Our NGO is deeply committed to fulfilling this right through our various programs.
Key Highlights of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
The new act introduces several provisions to further strengthen consumer rights.
Official Government Consumer Resources
Utilize these official portals established by the Government of India for information and grievance redressal.
National Consumer Helpline
For pre-litigation guidance and information. A primary resource for consumer queries.
Visit WebsiteDepartment of Consumer Affairs
The central government body responsible for formulating consumer protection policies.
Visit WebsiteE-Daakhil Portal
An online portal for filing consumer complaints electronically in the relevant consumer commission.
Visit WebsiteNational Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
The apex body of consumer courts in India for hearing appeals and high-value cases.
Visit Website