Consumer Protection Act

Objects of the Act

• Better protection of consumer interests• Protection of consumer rights – hazardous

nature, quality quantity, price, to be heard, redressal, consumer education

• Consumer protection council• Quasi judicial

Unfair trade practice

• False representation of quality, standard• False representation of quality, standard of service• Rebuilt and second hand goods as new• Represents that goods have certain uses or benefits which

they do not have• Represents that the seller has approval or affiliation which he

does not have • Misleading representation of goods or services• Warranty or guarantee not based on proper test.• Misleads the public regarding the price

Restrictive Trade Practice

• Delay beyond the period agreed by the trader in supply of goods or services

• Any trade practice which requires a consumer to buy, hire any service precedent to buying or hiring of services.

Central Consumer Protection Council

• The Minister in charge of consumer affairs in central Govt as chairman

• The minister of state is Vice-chairman• Ministers of food & supplies in state• 8 MP• Commissioner for SC & ST• 20 Representatives of central govt, autonomous

org concerned with consumer interest

Contd

• 35 Representatives of consumer organizations• 10 women representatives• 20 representatives of farmers, trade and

industry• 15 persons capable of representing consumer

interests• Secretary in the department of civil supplies

shall be the member secretary

Objects of the Council

• Right to protect against the marketing of goods & services hazardous to life and property

• Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, purity

• Right to be assured to variety of goods and services at competitive prices

• Right to be heard• Right to seek redressal• Right to consumer education

State Consumer Protection Council

• Objects- Same as Central councilMembership- Minister in – charge shall be the chairman- Official & non-official members prescribed by

state govt- Official & non-official members prescribed by

central govt

District Council

• Members- District collector- Official & non-official members

Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum- District Forum

• Composition- Qualified district judge as president- 2 members one should be women• Term of office• Jurisdiction – Claim not exceeding Rs. 20

lakhs

Procedure for Complaint

• By consumer• Recognized consumer association• One or more consumers• Central or state govt

Procedure on Receipt of Complaint

• Complaint relating to goods• Denial of allegation• Reference of sample to laboratory• Deposit of fees• Remission of fees• Objections by any parties• Reasonable opportunity of being heard

State Commission

• Membership• Jurisdiction• Procedure

National Commission

• Membership• Jurisdiction• Procedure