Unit 6_ Consumer Protection Act Study Guide
Unit 6_ Consumer Protection Act Study Guide
Detailed Summary
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in India is designed to safeguard consumer interests by
protecting their rights and providing mechanisms for grievance redressal. First enacted in 1986 and
updated in 2019, the Act addresses consumer exploitation and adapts to modern challenges,
including digital transactions.
Purpose: Enacted to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and provide speedy
redressal.
Definition of Consumer: A person who buys goods or services for personal use, not for
resale or commercial purposes, including users with the buyer’s consent.
Rights: Safety, information, choice, be heard, seek redressal, consumer education, basic
needs, healthy environment.
Three-Tier System: District Forum (up to INR 20 lakh), State Commission (INR 20 lakh to 1
crore), National Commission (above INR 1 crore).
Features: Applies to all sectors, establishes consumer councils, and imposes strict liability on
manufacturers and service providers.
To protect consumers from abuse and ensure better quality of products and services through
grievance redressal.
To enforce consumer rights, investigate violations, and regulate unfair trade practices.
It holds manufacturers, service providers, and sellers liable for defective products or deficient
services.
It includes online transactions in the consumer definition and allows e-filing of complaints.
8. What is the pecuniary jurisdiction of the State Commission under the 2019 Act?
Practices like misleading ads, adulteration, and sharing personal information without consent.
It empowers consumers to know their rights and seek redressal against exploitation.
1. Explain the evolution from the 1986 Act to the 2019 Act.
1986 Act established basic consumer rights and a three-tier redressal system.
2019 Act expanded consumer definition to include online buyers, introduced CCPA, product
liability, e-filing, and mediation.
Addresses digital age challenges like e-commerce and misleading ads.
4. Analyze the importance of consumer protection from the consumer’s and businessman’s
perspectives.
The consumer can e-file a complaint with the District Forum under the 2019 Act, seeking refund or
replacement due to product liability.
The CCPA can investigate, impose penalties, and order withdrawal of hazardous goods under the
2019 Act.
The consumer can file a complaint with the District Forum for refund and compensation, citing unfair
trade practices.
The consumer can seek redressal, and the CCPA may fine the manufacturer and endorser under the
2019 Act.
Revision Notes
Key Points: