New Delhi : World Consumer Rights Day, celebrated on March 15 every year, is a global event that aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and needs. The theme for this year 2025  is "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles." This theme emphasizes the importance of making sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices accessible and affordable for everyone while ensuring that these transitions respect fundamental consumer rights.www.kantikarmdilaw.com

The Consumer rights mean that every person who buys various products, goods, and services, has the right to have information on the quality, purity, price, and standard of those products. Most people are not aware of their rights as consumers, so by celebrating this day, we make others aware of the right to demand protection and stay safe from fraudulent activities in the marketplace.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act , 2019  (CPA) was enacted which came in force from 20 July 2020. The CPA 2019   provides for a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at District, State and Central levels commonly known as “Consumer Commissions” for protection of the rights of consumers and to provide simple and speedy redressal of consumer disputes including those related with unfair trade practices. The Consumer Commissions are empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers. Did you know that you have the right to file a complaint from anywhere, anytime as a consumer?  

Few  highlights of new CPA 2019.   

1. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): A regulatory body established to address consumer grievances, investigate unfair trade practices, and take action against misleading advertisements.

2. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs): These commissions operate at the district, state, and national levels to resolve consumer disputes efficiently.

3. Product Liability: Manufacturers, service providers, and sellers are held accountable for any harm caused by defective products or services.

4. E-Commerce Rules: The Act includes provisions to regulate e-commerce platforms, ensuring transparency and consumer protection in online transactions.

5. Mediation: A mediation mechanism was introduced as an alternative dispute resolution method to settle disputes amicably.

6. Penalties for Misleading Advertisements: Strict consequences for false or misleading advertisements, including penalties for endorsers

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, has introduced several new initiatives and policies to empower consumers, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, and ensure a transparent and fair marketplace. In 2024, major developments included improvements in e-commerce regulations, digital consumer protection, product safety standards, and sustainable consumption initiatives.

Dr.S.M.Kantikar, MD (Pathology) PhD (Law)

Former Member 

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 

New Delhi

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