Rajya Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 08/08/2019 – Posted in: Press Information Bureau

Consumer Protection Bill, 2019

(Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution)

 

WHAT

The Parliament gave its nod to the landmark Consumer Protection Bill, 2019.

  • The bill passed by Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.
  • It will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

 

Voice Vote

  • It is used in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state assemblies to vote for certain resolutions.
  • When a motion is put to vote the speaker says, ‘Those in the favour of the motion say Aye and those opposing it say No.’
  • According to the voice vote, the Speaker decides whether the Bill is accepted or negated by the House.
  • If a member is not happy with a voice vote, it can be challenged and a division can be asked for.

 

AIM

The bill aims to protect the rights of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute.

 

FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCES

  • Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 would ease the overall process of consumer grievance redressal.
  • The new bill will provide a better mechanism to dispose of consumer complaints in a speedy manner.
  • It will also help in the disposal of a large number of pending cases in consumer courts across the nation.
  • The bill proposes setting up of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
  • Bill also envisages a simplified dispute resolution process. It has provisions for Mediation and e-filing of cases.
  • The Consumer will be able to file cases in the nearest commission under the jurisdiction of which he resides.
  • There will be an exclusive law dealing with Product Liability.
  • A manufacturer or product service provider or product seller will now be responsible to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in services.
  • There are provisions for deterrent punishment to check misleading advertisements and adulteration of products.
  • The Bill also enables regulations to be notified on E-commerce and direct selling with a focus on the protection of interest of consumers.

 

ROLE OF CCPA

  • The CCPA would make interventions to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices.
  • The agency can also initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products.

 

Source: PIB

 

Also, read more PIB Updates

 

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