Below are the main features of the Act:

1. Consumer Rights

• Right to be informed: Consumers have the right to know the quality, quantity, price, and essential details of goods and services.
• Right to safety: Protection from goods and services hazardous to life and health.
• Right to choose: Access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
• Right to be heard: File complaints and express concerns regarding goods and services.
• Right to seek redressal: Legal remedies for harm or loss caused by defective goods or deficient services.

2. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

The Act establishes the CCPA, which has broad powers to:

• Investigate unfair trade practices and deceptive advertisements.
• Recall unsafe products or discontinue unsafe services.
• File complaints on behalf of consumers to enforce their rights.

3. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions

The Act sets up commissions at three levels to resolve disputes:

• District Commission: Claims up to ₹1 crore.
• State Commission: Claims between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore.
• National Commission: Claims exceeding ₹10 crore.

4. Simplified Grievance Redressal

• Consumers can file complaints online via the National Consumer Helpline and Consumer Protection Portal.
• Disputes must be resolved within 3 months (with an optional extension of 3 months).

5. Unfair Trade Practices

• Penalties for misleading advertisements.
• Accountability for defective products and substandard services.
• Provisions for regulating e-commerce platforms and ensuring transparency.

6. Product Liability

Manufacturers, sellers, and service providers are responsible for harm caused by defective goods or deficient services. Consumers can claim compensation for such injuries.

7. E-Commerce and Direct Selling

The Act regulates e-commerce platforms, ensuring:

• Mandatory grievance officers and redressal mechanisms.
• Transparency in seller information, product details, and refund/return policies.

8. Penalties and Enforcement

The Act allows consumer forums to impose penalties, including:

• Fines and imprisonment for unfair trade practices.
• Compensation for consumers harmed by defective products or services.

9. Class Action Suits

Consumers facing similar issues can file class action suits to collectively seek redressal.

10. Consumer Protection Councils

The Act establishes State and District Consumer Protection Councils to promote consumer awareness and advise the government on consumer-related matters.

11. Regulation of False Advertising

False or misleading advertisements, particularly those concerning health and safety, are prohibited. The CCPA can take action against violators.

12. Redressal Mechanism for E-Commerce

• Mandatory complaint redressal systems for e-commerce businesses.
• Clear return and refund policies for timely resolution of consumer grievances.

13. Strengthened Consumer Rights for Vulnerable Groups

The Act emphasizes protecting vulnerable groups like senior citizens, women, and children from exploitation.

Conclusion

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 strengthens consumer rights in India by introducing mechanisms for quicker dispute resolution, penalties for violations, and e-commerce regulation. With the establishment of the CCPA and consumer forums, it ensures effective protection and redressal for all consumers.