Discuss the grievance redressal mechanism under Consumer Protection Act.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a law enacted to protect the rights and interests of consumers in India. It replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, introducing stronger provisions to address modern consumer grievances, including e-commerce transactions. This act provides protection to consumers against the goods purchased from the seller. Mechanism under consumer protection act 2019
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in India provides a structured Grievance Redressal Mechanism to protect consumer rights and address disputes effectively. The mechanism includes the following stages:
1. Consumer Forums (Three-Tier System)
The Act establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial system for resolving consumer complaints based on the value of the goods/services involved:
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC)
- Handles cases where the claim value is up to ₹1 crore.
- Appeals can be made to the State Commission.
- State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC)
- Deals with cases where the claim is between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crores.
- Appeals go to the National Commission.
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)
- Handles cases where the claim exceeds ₹10 crores.
- Appeals from here go to the Supreme Court of India.
2. Filing a Complaint
A consumer can file a complaint under the Act against:
- Defective goods
- Deficient services
- Unfair trade practices
- Overcharging
- Product liability issues
3. Consumer Mediation Cells
- Established at all three levels (District, State, and National) to resolve disputes amicably. Mechanism under consumer protection act 2019
- Mediation is voluntary and can help avoid lengthy litigation.
4. E-Filing and Online Redressal
- Consumers can now file complaints online through the E-Dakhil Portal, making the process more accessible.
5. Appeals Process
- If a consumer is unsatisfied with the judgment at any level, they can appeal to the next higher forum within 30 days.
Conclusion
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, ensures a fast, efficient, and accessible grievance redressal mechanism. It empowers consumers by providing legal remedies, mediation, and online complaint filing options, there by promoting consumer rights and fair business practices. You can also check the syllabus of commercial law on the official website Gndu.
Mechanism under consumer protection act 2019
Essential Elements of a Valid Contract