THE ADVENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019

Abstract

The Indian Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which was enacted to provide timely relief to consumers who were affected by defective products or poor service, as well as provide both a legal and institutional framework for the protection of consumer rights, has been criticised for being ineffective on some fronts. On the other side, the rise in cases of unfair commercial practises and deceptive advertising prompted legislative adjustments. As a result, the new Consumer Protection Act, which was passed in 2019, aims to impose stricter regulations in order to successfully safeguard customers. For the first time, it provides for ‘criminal' remedies by criminalising a few minor infractions. This article focuses on the key ideas covered by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. In compared to its predecessor, a modest attempt has been made to debate and evaluate certain changes made under this Act.