The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1986 to protect the interests of consumers in India. It was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a law to protect the interests of the consumers. This act was inevitable to resolve a large number of pending consumer complaints in consumer courts across the country. It has ways and means to solve the consumer grievances speedily.

What is the aim of the Consumer Protection Act?

The basic aim of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to save the rights of the consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ disputes.

What is the Definition of the Consumer?

As per the act; a person is called a consumer who avails the services and buys any good for self-use. Worth to mention that if a person buys any good and avail any service for resale or commercial purpose, is not considered a consumer. This definition covers all types of transactions i.e. online and offline.

Rights of Consumers?

  1. To have information about the quantity, quality, purity, potency, price, and standard of goods or services.
  2. To be protected from hazardous goods and services.
  3. To be protected from unfair or restrictive trade practices.
  4. To have a variety of goods or services at competitive prices

Jurisdiction under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The act has defined the criteria of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRCs). The National CDRC will hear complaints worth more than Rs. 10 crores. The State CDRC will hear complaints when the value is more than Rs 1 crore but less than Rs 10 crore. While the District CDRC will entertain complaints when the value of goods or service is up to Rs 1 crore.