Consumer Protection Law in India

India has several consumer protection laws to safeguard the rights of consumers and ensure fair trade practices. The primary consumer protection law in India is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Here are some of the key provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019:

​1. Rights of Consumers: The Act provides various rights to consumers, including the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and property, the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods and services, and right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices.

2. Central Consumer Protection Authority: The Act establishes a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers. The CCPA has the power to investigate, impose penalties, and order recalls of products or services that are found to be harmful to consumers.

3. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions: The Act provides for the establishment of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) at the national, state, and district levels. These commissions are responsible for resolving consumer complaints and disputes in a timely and efficient manner.

4. Product Liability: The Act introduces the concept of product liability, which holds manufacturers, service providers, and sellers responsible for any harm caused to a consumer due to a defective product or service.

5. E-Commerce: The Act also brings e-commerce platforms under its purview and holds them liable for any deficiency in services or products provided by their sellers.

In addition to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, there are several other laws and regulations in India that aim to protect consumers, such as the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.