The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a law passed by the Parliament of India to strengthen and modernize consumer rights in the country. It repealed and replaced the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which had been in force for more than three decades. The 2019 Act introduces new mechanisms, authorities, and protections to address challenges of today’s digital and e-commerce–driven market.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 8 July 2019 by Ram Vilas Paswan, the then Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 30 July 2019, and later by the Rajya Sabha on 6 August 2019.
It received the assent of President Ram Nath Kovind on 9 August 2019 and was published in The Gazette of India the same day.
The Act came into force on 20 July 2020, while some provisions—such as the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)—came into effect on 24 July 2020. The government later introduced an Advertising Code in September 2020 to protect consumers from false and misleading advertisements.
The Act aims to give consumers greater power and transparency, especially in the modern marketplace where online shopping and digital transactions have become common.
Key Provisions of the Act
One of the important provisions of the Act is that every e-commerce company must clearly display the “country of origin” of products. This helps consumers make informed choices and improves transparency in online marketplaces.
Councils, Authorities, and Commissions Under the Act
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 continues the institutions earlier created under the 1986 Act but strengthens their role. It creates an alternate system outside traditional courts to handle consumer complaints efficiently and reduce the burden on the judiciary.
These bodies are designed to help governments and citizens discuss, decide, and resolve consumer protection matters more effectively.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
The 2019 Act sets up an independent statutory authority at both the central and state levels to enforce consumer rights. These authorities have wide powers such as:
- Conducting search and seizure
- Issuing judgments and directions
- Protecting officials who make decisions in good faith
- Running their own investigative wings
The CCPA can:
- Recall unsafe or defective goods
- Refer cases to other regulatory authorities
- Impose penalties on companies and individuals
- Take action against false, misleading, or deceptive advertisements
This authority ensures strong enforcement of consumer laws.
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs)
The Act allows the establishment of three-tier Consumer Commissions—at the District, State, and National levels. Consumers can file complaints in these commissions depending on the value of goods or services involved.
These commissions act similarly to courts, with full authority to hear cases and pass judgments. Their structure and functioning are similar to those defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, but with expanded jurisdiction and clearer procedures.
Consumer Protection Councils
The Act also provides for Consumer Protection Councils at the central, state, and district levels. These councils advise the government, including the Prime Minister, on policies and issues related to consumer welfare. Their role is mainly advisory, helping the government make decisions that protect consumer interests.
Rights of Consumers Under the Act
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 clearly defines several important rights for consumers, including:
- Right to Safety
Protection against goods and services that may be hazardous to life or property. - Right to Information
Consumers must be informed about the quality, quantity, purity, standard, price, and other important details of goods and services. - Right to Choice
Consumers should have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. - Right to Redressal
Consumers can seek compensation and remedy against unfair trade practices, restrictive practices, or exploitation.
These rights strengthen the position of consumers in the marketplace and ensure that businesses behave responsibly.