Highlights Of The Consumer Protection Bill 2018

Globalisation, increase in trade, emergence of new modes of dealings and supplies and e-commerce have created new options and opportunities for consumers. However, the same have also made the consumers vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business practices. This necessitated the need to amend the existing framework for the protection of rights and interests of consumers. The Consumer Protection Bill 2018 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 5 January 2018 and seeks to replace the existing Consumer Protection Act 1986.

Key Highlights of the Bill

I. Regulator- The existing framework does not provide for a Regulator. The Consumer Protection Bill 2018 provides for establishment of a Regulator called as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (hereinafter referred to as "CCPA"), which will be an executive agency to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are