Cabinet set to clear stricter consumer protection billCabinet is likely to clear the Consumer Protection Bill on Wednesday with provisions to make manufacturers and service providers liable for their products and services.
A Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) will be set up which will have the power to inquire into violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisement, besides conducting search and seizure of documents. “The authority can order discontinuation of unfair practices, order reimbursement for faulty products and can issue corrective advertisements,“ said a source. It will also protect consumers who are placed in an “unequal bargaining capacity“. The proposed bill will replace the 29-year-old Consumer Protection Act (1986). Ecommerce and online transaction for buying or selling of products will be under the ambit of the new law. More members will be added to consumer forums (to be known as commissions) at district, state and national levels to fasten disposal of complaints.
“The consumers will be allowed to file cases from the place of stay or work . Consumers can also file cases through electronic mode,“ said an official.
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