Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a crucial piece of legislation in India that aims to protect the rights and interests of consumers. It empowers consumers by providing them with a legal framework to seek redressal for defects in goods or deficiencies in services. The act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the National, State, and District levels to address consumer grievances.

Protecting Consumer Rights

The Consumer Protection Act emphasizes the right of consumers to be protected against defects in goods and deficiencies in services. It ensures that consumers have the right to safe and quality products and can seek compensation and redressal in case of any harm or loss caused by defective goods or inadequate services.

Three-Tier Quasi-Judicial Machinery

To provide efficient resolution of consumer disputes, the act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (D.C.D.R.C.) at the District level.
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (S.C.D.R.C.) at the State level.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (N.C.D.R.C.) at the National level.

Consumers can approach the appropriate commission based on the value of the goods or services in question.

Appeals to Supreme Court

Decisions made by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (N.C.D.R.C.) are final and binding. However, aggrieved parties have the right to challenge the order of the N.C.D.R.C. by filing an appeal in the Supreme Court of India.

National Consumer Day and World Consumer Rights Day

To raise awareness about consumer rights and their importance, December 24 is celebrated as National Consumer Day in India. Similarly, on March 15, World Consumer Rights Day is observed globally to promote consumer rights and advocate for fair practices in the marketplace.

First Chairperson of N.C.D.R.C.

Justice Bal Krishna Eradi was the first chairperson of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (N.C.D.R.C.). He played a significant role in laying the foundation for consumer protection in India and ensuring the effective functioning of the commission.

Compensation Claimed

The Consumer Protection Act defines the jurisdictions and compensation limits for each level of the quasi-judicial machinery:

• District Forum (D.C.D.R.C.): Compensation claims up to Rs. 20 lakhs.
• State Commission (S.C.D.R.C.): Compensation claims above Rs. 20 lakhs but up to Rs. 1 crore.
• National Commission (N.C.D.R.C.): Compensation claims above Rs. 1 crore.