New law to protect consumer rights comes into force in India
India’s Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has come into force, commencing on 20 July, 2020 according to a news report. The law which was initially brought to Parliament in 2019 seeks to protect the rights of consumers through the key provisions of the Act. Among others, the Act will enforce the rights of the consumer including the right to;
- be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property;
- be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services;
- be assured of access to a variety of goods or services at competitive prices; and
- seek redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices.
The Act, according to the report, will also set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). The function of this body as defined by the Act is to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers by regulating matters that borders on consumer rights violations, unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.