Parliament passes Consumer Protection Bill

Parliament has passed the  Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, with the Rajya Sabah approving it yesterday. 

The Lok Sabha has already passed it. The bill aims at protecting the interests of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute. 

The Bill has a provision to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. 

It will regulate matters related to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements. 

The authority will have the power to impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser o up to ten lakh rupees and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or



misleading advertisement.  

The Bill also has a provision to set up Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at the district, state, and national levels.  

A consumer can file a complaint with the Commissions regarding defective goods or services and overcharging or deceptive charging.

Replying to the debate on the bill, Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said that the interests of consumers are foremost for the government and this bill is for protecting their rights. 

He appealed to the States to create more awareness about the rights of the consumers. Mr Paswan also assured the Members that he will also hold consultations to accommodate their suggestions before framing the rules