Consumer Protection Act, 2019--Overview

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019--Striking Features Thereof

Pragya Bhandari

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 revamps the consumer protection mechanism by repealing the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in order to protect the interest of consumers as well as strengthen the mandate of consumer courts to take action against delinquent manufacturers, sellers and distributors.This article covers key highlights introduced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

1. Prologue

With a view to protect the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (hereinafter referred as new Act)was introduced by repealing and replacing more than three decades old legislation i.e. Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The new Act had received the assent of the President of India on 9-8-2019. It consists of 107 sections divided into 8 chapters. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution vide notifications dated 20-7-2020 and 24-7-2020 has enforced the provisions of the new Act. Simultaneously, the said Ministry has notified several rules and regulations in this regard. This is most significant law reforms in India which would prove a significant tool in protecting consumer rights in the country.