CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 2019

definitions

Consumer

A person who buys goods or avails services for personal use, excluding those who obtain goods for resale or commercial purposes.

Consumer Protection

The act of safeguarding consumers from unfair trade practices and ensuring their rights are protected.

E-commerce Transactions

The buying and selling of goods and services conducted online.

Teleshopping

The purchasing of goods and services through television broadcasts.

District Forum

A consumer dispute resolution body that handles cases involving the value of goods and services up to one crore.

State Commission

A consumer dispute resolution body that handles cases involving the value of goods and services from one to ten crores.

National Commission

A consumer dispute resolution body that handles cases involving the value of goods and services above ten crores.

Central Consumer Protection Authority

An authority established to investigate consumer complaints, recall products or services, and file cases at different consumer dispute resolution forums.

Compensation

The financial or non-financial remedy provided to consumers for any harm caused by a product or service.

Mediation Centre

A facility established for the resolution of consumer disputes through mediation.

Aims and Objectives

The goals of the Consumer Protection Act, including better protection of consumer interests, promotion of consumer rights, establishment of consumer councils, and speedy resolution of consumer disputes.

Rights of Consumers

The fundamental rights of consumers, including the right to safety, information, choice, be heard, seek redressal, and consumer education.

Right to Safety

The right of consumers to be protected against goods and services that may pose a threat to their life.

Right to Information

The right of consumers to be informed about the quantity, quality, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.

Right to Choose

The right of consumers to select from a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

Right to be Heard

The right of consumers to have their interests considered and receive a fair hearing at appropriate forums.

Right to Seek Redressal

The right of consumers to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices, or exploitation.

Right to Consumer Education

The right of consumers to be educated about their rights and remedies against the exploitation of manufacturers and traders.

Consumer Protection Council

Advisory bodies established at the central, state, and district levels to provide guidance on consumer protection issues.

Central Consumer Protection Council

A council chaired by the Minister of Consumer Affairs of the Central Government, consisting of officials and unofficial members representing various interests.

State Consumer Protection Council

A council established at the state level, consisting of officials and unofficial members, and chaired by the Minister of Consumer Affairs of the respective state.

District Consumer Protection Council

A council established at the district level, chaired by the District Collector, and consisting of officials and unofficial members.