Gone are the days of “Caveat Emptor,” where the consumer was asked to “Beware.” It was the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods prior to the purchase. These are the days of “Caveat Venditor,” which means, “Let the seller beware,” for the sellers are accountable for providing information about the goods and services they sell.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA-2019)
CPA-2019 has replaced the three-decades-old Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Bill was introduced in the Lok-Sabha on 8 July 2019 and passed on 13 July 2019. It was passed on 6 August 2019 by the Rajya-Sabha, received the assent of the President on 9 August 2019, and was notified in the Gazette of India on the same date. The Act was expected to come into effect by November 2019 when the Union Government framed rules within three months in order to implement CPA-2019.
The purpose of CPA-2019
The purpose of CPA-2019 is to protect the rights and interests of the consumers and to provide for speedy, effective and simple redressal mechanisms in addition to convenient and inexpensive procedures for redressal of their grievances. Competent authorities already have been established for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ disputes providing effective safeguards to consumers against various types of exploitations and unfair trade practices. Consumer Courts enforce the rights of consumers.
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Fr Ravi Sagar SJ
