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Important Role Play by Central Consumer Protection Authority To The Customers
Important Role Play by Central Consumer Protection Authority To The Customers
• (i) inquire or cause an inquiry into violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices,
either suo moto or on a complaint or on directions from the Central Government [Section
18(2)].
• (ii) cause investigation to be made by the Director General or by the District Collector if
it is satisfied, after a preliminary inquiry, that there exists a prima facie case of violation
of consumer rights or any unfair trade practice or any false or misleading advertisement
prejudicial to public interest or to the interests of the consumers [Section 19(1)].
• (iii) call upon a person found prima facie to be involved in violation of consumer rights or
any unfair trade practice or any false or misleading advertisement as described above
and also to direct him to produce any document or record in his possession. Additionally,
the Director General or the District Collector would have powers of search and seizure
under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and also the power to direct production of
any document or record [Section 22].
(iv) recall goods or withdraw services which are dangerous, hazardous of unsafe, or direct
reimbursement of the prices of goods or services so recalled or discontinuation of unfair
practices after giving the target person an opportunity of being heard [Section 20].
(v) engage in and promote consumer advocacy including by filing complaints before the District
Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission constituted under the Act,
intervening in any proceedings before these for a, recommending remedial measures,
undertaking research, spreading awareness and issuing safety alerts to consumers [Section 18].
(vi) issue directions, after investigation, to a trader or manufacturer or endorser or advertiser or
publisher to discontinue false or misleading advertisements prejudicial to consumers, and to
impose monetary penalties up to Rupees ten lakhs [Section 21].
(vii) restrain the endorser of a false or misleading advertisement from making endorsement of
any product or service for a period up to one year, or in case of subsequent contravention up to
three years [Section 21(3)].
•
Rights of consumers under the Act:
To be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and
price of goods and services.
And be assured of access to a variety of goods or services at
competitive prices.
• To seek redress against unfair or restrictive trade practices.
Benefits for Consumers under the Act:
Consumers are protected against the marketing of goods and services which are
hazardous to life and property.
Consumer sovereignty in the choice of goods is guaranteed.
Consumers are entitled to a speedy, simple, and inexpensive relief under the act.
The redressal machinery is available within easy reach to the consumers.
The authorities under the act are made responsible for the protection of certain rights.
They are the right to safety, right to choose, right to be heard and right to consumer
education. This is enabling legislation and is aimed to be progressive.
• The penalties under the Act helps to check arbitrary trade practices in India. Also, it
helps in mutual trust in the consumption of goods and services in a consumption-
based economy like India.