Consumer Protection Bill 2019 | Fusion - WeRIndia

Advertisements play a crucial role in generating income to manufacturers and sellers of the product. Yet, fake and false advertisements cause loss to consumers. In order to protect the interests of the consumers, a new consumer bill has been introduced in Parliament.

The Consumer Protection Bill 2019 was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30. It was introduced by Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The Bill would replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 after its passing in the Parliament.

The main intention of the Bill is to simplify the process of addressing issues of consumers and their grievances.

The Bill is also aimed to protect consumers from false ads and fake claims.

A Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) would be established to conduct investigations when consumer rights are violated. It also would order the recall of unsafe goods and services.

The CCPA will also have the power to stop or put a ban on broadcast of misleading or false advertisements. The manufactures which spread false claims or advertisements will be imposed a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh with imprisonment for up to two years.

The Bill also has a Product Liability Provision. This provision prevents manufacturers from providing faulty products or services.

It has several provisions for dispute resolution. Most of them are very simple. One such provision is that a consumer can file a complaint online from his home and attend hearings via video conferencing.

There is a mediation provision to fasten dispute resolution. Thus, the Bill is aimed to resolve issues and pending cases in a faster way.

Several members raised objections on “healthcare” provision and government said that has been changed accordingly.

However, Derek O’Brien from TMC and KK Ragesh from (CPIM) have demanded the Bill to be sent to a select committee for further scrutiny.

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