About Central Consumer Protection Authority
Introduction:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority is a regulatory body established under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to matters affecting consumer rights caused by individuals or entities engaging in unethical business practices or by the publication of unsuitable or incorrect advertisements that affect the public interest. It also contributes to the promotion of consumer trust by upholding consumer rights through efficient regulations.
Facts Regarding Central Consumer Protection Authority [CCPA]:
• Formation - 2019
• Type - Regulatory Body
• Legal Status - Active
• Headquarters - New Delhi
• Location – India [New Delhi]
• Owner - Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India
• Website - consumeraffairs.nic.in/acts-and-rules/consumer-protection
Background:
The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 established the Central Consumer Protection Authority, which took the role of the earlier Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Additional consumer concerns have been integrated into the new act, such as the criminalization of false advertising and giving incorrect information about the nature, extent, or cost of goods or services.
Members of the Central Consumer Protection Authority shall be chosen by the Central Government which includes:
1. Chief Commissioner
2. Two Commissioners. There will be one commissioner for both goods and services.
(At Present, The Central Consumer Protection Authority's Chief Commissioner is Nidhi Khare)
The Following Are The Powers Of The Central Consumer Protection Authority:
(i) The commission may inquire or cause an inquiry if it discovers consumer rights violations or notices unfair business practices, either in response to a complaint or on its own initiative, or in accordance with instructions from the Central Government.
(ii) The commission has the authority to request an investigation from the District Collector or Director General if it determines, after conducting a preliminary investigation, that there is a prima facie case of a violation of a consumer's rights, or if it becomes aware of any unfair business practices or false or misleading advertising that is harmful to the public interest or the interests of consumers.
(iii) If the commission determines, based on the preponderance of the evidence, that a person violated consumer rights, engaged in unfair business practices, or created false or misleading advertisements as described above, it may contact that person and order him to produce any records or documents s/he may have in his possession that pertain to the matter. The District Collector or Director General also has the right to request the submission of any record or document under the terms of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
(iv) The commission may order the recall of any goods that are dangerous, hazardous, or unsafe as well as the withdrawal of services that are similar. It may also order the refund of any money that was paid for the sale of the recalled goods or services as well as the cessation of any unfair business practices after giving the person who was given the order a chance to be heard.
(v) The commission can participate in and provide services related to consumer advocacy by registering complaints with the National Commission, the State Commission, or the District Commission established in accordance with the Act, participating in their proceedings, suggesting corrective measures, engaging in related research, raising awareness, and advising consumers on safety precautions.
(vi) The commission may order a trader, manufacturer, endorser, advertiser, or publisher to stop running advertisements that are inaccurate, deceptive, or harmful to consumers and may impose fines of up to Rs 10 lakhs payable in cash in such cases.
(vii) The commission may further forbid an advertiser from endorsing a false or deceptive statement in connection with any good or service for a period of up to one year, and three years in the event of a subsequent violation.