Central Consumer Protection Authority

Central Consumer Protection Authority

• The government is all set to establish a Central Consumer Protection Authority.

What is the Central Consumer Protection Authority?

• The authority is being constituted under Section 10(1) of The Consumer Protection Act, 2019.  Aim: To protect the rights of the consumer by cracking down on unfair trade practices, and false and misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers. It will be headquartered in the National Capital Region of Delhi but the central government may set up regional offices in other parts of the country.

Powers and Functions:

• Inquire or investigate matters relating to violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices suo motu, or on a complaint received, or on a direction from the central government.
• Recall goods or withdrawal of services that are “dangerous, hazardous or unsafe.
• Pass an order to a refund the prices of goods or services so recalled to purchasers of such goods or services; discontinuation of practices which are unfair and prejudicial to consumer’s interest”.
• Impose a penalty up to Rs 10 lakh, with imprisonment up to two years, on the manufacturer or endorser of false and misleading advertisements. The penalty may go up to Rs 50 lakh, with imprisonment up to five years, for every subsequent offense committed by the same manufacturer or endorser.
• Ban the endorser of a false or misleading advertisement from making an endorsement of any products or services in the future, for a period that may extend to one year. The ban may extend up to three years in every subsequent violation of the Act.
• File complaints of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practices before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Composition:

• It will have a Chief Commissioner as head, and only two other commissioners as members — one of whom will deal with matters relating to goods while the other will look into cases relating to services.
• The CCPA will have an Investigation Wing that will be headed by a Director-General.
• District Collectors too, will have the power to investigate complaints of violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements.

For manufacture, selling, storage, distribution, or import of adulterated products, the penalties are:

1. If an injury is not caused to a consumer, fine up to Rs 1 lakh with imprisonment up to six months.
2. If an injury is caused, fine up to Rs 3 lakh with imprisonment for up to one year.
3. If grievous hurt is caused, fine up to Rs 5 lakh with imprisonment up to 7 years.
4. In case of death, fine of Rs 10 lakh or more with a minimum imprisonment of 7 years, extendable to imprisonment for life.

Sources: Indian Express.