Introduction

The Consumer Protection Act 2019

1. On July 20th, 2020, the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019 came into force in India, replacing the previous enactment of 1986. The new Act overhauls
   the administration and settlement of consumer disputes in India. It provides for strict penalties, including jail terms for adulteration and for misleading
   advertisements. More importantly, it now prescribes rules for the sale of goods through e-commerce.
2. As per the provisions of this Act, there are State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission at State level and 40 District Consumer Commissions at District
   level. This includes four  additional district forums established for Mumbai, Thane Pune and Nagpur districts. The State Consumer Grievance Redressal
   Commission has set up Circuit Benches at Nagpur and Aurangabad and is functioning.
3. On these District Commissions, a President and two non-Judicial Members are appointed. These members should have elaborate knowledge of law, finance,
   administration, commerce, public/private sector etc. Retired District Judges or persons, who are eligible to be District Judges, are selected for the post
   of the President of the District Commission. At least one member or the President of the District Commission shall be a woman.
4. Consumer is having the rights as indicated below:

• Right to Safety
• Right to be informed
• Right to Choose
• Right to be heard
• Right to seek Redressal
• Right to Consumer Education

Salient features of the Consumer Protection Act

• The said Act is applicable to the private, public and co-operative sectors.
• Provisions have been made for establishment of Consumer Protection Councils on Central and State level and to encourage, protect and conserve the rights of
  the consumers.
• The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force.