CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019
The ideology of Consumer Protection is present since a very long time. There were many scripts and texts written on consumer protection such as, Manu Smriti is concerned with ethical trade operations, and has established a code of conduct for sellers as well as penalties for those who commit crimes against consumers. The Arthasastra of Kautilya emphasizes the state's role in regulating trade and its responsibility to prevent customer transgressions. Weights were employed to measure commodities during Muslim rule, there was strong market regulation, and fixed costs were in force. The shopkeepers were also punished for not properly weighing the goods. Even though, many a legislations such as Indian Contract Act, The Sale of Goods Act, etc. safeguarded the rights of the consumers, the consumers were forced to file a civil suit which can incur more expenses than the compensation claimed by the consumer. This led to the formation of Consumer Protection Act in India for simple, speedy resolution of the consumer disputes. New features were added to the old Consumer Protection Act through the Amendment in 2019.
Due to the technological advancement, in the Amendment of 2019, E-Commerce Transactions were also introduced to the Consumer Protection Act. The definition of the Unfair Trade Practices was widened through this amendment. The pecuniary Jurisdiction of the three tier Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions has been increased. District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission deals with the goods and services worth up to Rs. 1 Crore. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission deals with the goods and services worth from Rs. 1 Crore to Rs. 10 Crores. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission deals with the goods and services worth more than Rs. 10 Crores. This increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction decreases the case load on the appellate commissions and helps in the speedy disposal of the cases. This amendment has also introduced the concept of E-Filing and Video Conferencing option for proceedings. This will reduce the inconvenience and provides ease for the consumers. This will save their travel time and expenses as well. This amendment has also provided for the establishment of an authority (Central Consumer Protection Authority). This authority helps to curd the unfair trade practices, false advertisements, etc. and impose penalty on the endorsers and makes them bear the liability. This amendment also introduces the Mediation system for resolution of the disputes. Mediation is a process where it is considered that both the parties are at benefit and both parties win. So, this will further reduce the time and money spent by the consumer on the dispute resolution. The introduction of Product Liability concept not only makes the product manufacturer liable, but also its endorsers, promoters and even social media platforms for helping to increase the sales of faulty products. This also imposes penalty on the consumers who files a false complaint for acquiring any kinds of benefit.
Thus, the new rules and provisions inserted in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 will be beneficial to the Consumers and makes the procedure easier and convenient to the consumer. This amendment has made the law suitable as per the present technological advancement in the society. This amendment imposed higher penalties on unfair trade practices, false advertisements, and false complainants & helps the innocent consumers who had suffered.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 by Velanati Jyothirmai @ Lex Cliq
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