The Consumer Protection Act in 2019 is the law that governs the rights of consumers and their interests within the Indian territory. The previous law was enacted in 1986; however, this is entirely new legislation to address current needs like Internet shopping, fraudulent advertising, and unfair trade practices.
Key Features:
- It will set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to take action against unfair trade practices and false advertisements.
- Makes the consumers through E-commerce and the jurisdiction of complaints against such platforms.
- It holds accountable product manufacturers, service providers, and sellers for defective products or poor services.
- Consumer complaints can be filed online and from anywhere (unlike required at the place of the seller).
- It provides mediation, a faster method of resolving disputes, and heavy penalties for misleading advertisements or consumer injury.
FAQs – Consumer Protection Act, 2019
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1. What is it all about?
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An Act which ensures protection of the consumers from unfair trade practices, defective goods, poor service, and false advertising.
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2. Who is a consumer?
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A consumer is a person who purchases goods or services for personal consumption (not for resale or for business).
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3. What are my rights as a consumer under this law?
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The right to:
- Safe products
- Knowing something about what you buy
- Choose freely
- Be heard with regard to complaints
- Redressal (fixing your problem or compensation)
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4. What if I buy something online? Am I protected?
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Yes. The sweep of the Act includes e-commerce, and you can register complaints against online platforms and sellers.
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5. Can I file a complaint from my home city?
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Yes. You don't have to go to the place of the seller. You can file your complaint either where you reside or where the delivery was done.
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6. Can I complain about the food or medicine?
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You can complain if the food, medicine, or any product is unsafe, expired, or harmful.
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7. What is the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)?
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The organisation formed under this Act to enable action against:
- Unfair trade practices
- Misleading ads
- Unsafe products
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8. What can I do if I see a false or misleading advertisement?
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You can report it. The CCPA can fine the advertiser, ban the ad, or take legal action.
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9. What is product liability?
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A harm caused through a product can put the manufacturer, seller, or service provider under legal liability to compensate.
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10. Who can file a complaint?
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- You (the consumer)
- Your legal representative
- A group of consumers
- A voluntary consumer organization
- The central or state government
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11. Is there a fee for filing a complaint?
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Yes, but the fee is very low, especially for small claims. The process is constructed to be accessible and consumer-friendly.
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12. Where can I file my complaint?
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- District Commission (up to ₹50 lakhs)
- State Commission (₹50 lakhs to ₹2 crores)
- National Commission (above ₹2 crores)
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13. Can I file a complaint online?
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Yes, by the government's e-jagriti, you can file complaints online.
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14. What kind of issues can I complain about?
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You can complain about:
- Defective goods
- Poor services
- Overcharging
- Delayed deliveries
- Hidden charges
- False promises
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15. Is there a time limit to file a complaint?
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Yes. You will have to file your complaint within 2 years of the occurrence of the problem.
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16. Can celebrities be punished for endorsing false products?
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Yes. They influence celebrities or others to mislead and misbrand products in advertisement campaigns.
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17. Can I go for mediation instead of a long court process?
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Yes. The Act encourages mediation for quick and easy settlements if both parties agree.
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18. Will I be compensated if I win the case?
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Yes. You may get:
- Refunds
- Replacement
- Repair
- Compensation for loss, injury, or mental harassment
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19. Are businesses also under this law?
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No, an individual consumer is mainly protected by this law. As such, businesses buy for the purposes of running their commercial business.
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20. Why is this Act important for every Indian citizen?
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It empowers you to fight back against cheating, fraud, or bad service and ensures that your money and safety are well secured.
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