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With an aim of protecting the rights of consumer and shielding them from fraudulent advertisements, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Consumer Protection Bill 2018, repalcing the Consumer protection act, 1986. The bill will go to the Rajya Sabha for passage.
Here are top 8 facts about Consumer Protection Bill 2018:
1) The bill, among other things, proposes setting up of the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and forums at the District, State and National levels for adjudicating consumer complaints.
2) It will have the power to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights as a class.
3) If a consumer suffers an injury from a defect in a good or a deficiency in service, he may file a claim of product liability against the manufacturer, the seller, or the service provider.
4) The Bill defines contracts as ‘unfair’ if they significantly affect the rights of consumers. It also defines unfair and restrictive trade practices.
5) The Bill establishes Consumer Protection Councils at the district, state and national levels to render advise on consumer protection.
Lecunae
6) The Bill does not specify that the Commissions will comprise a judicial member. If the Commissions were to have members only from the executive, the principal of separation of powers may be violated.
7) The Bill leaves the composition of the Commissions to the central government. This could affect the independence of these quasi-judicial bodies.
8) The Bill does not specify whom the Councils will advise. If the Councils advise the government, it is unclear in what capacity such advice will be given.
