The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 ("New
Act") got presidential assent on 9th August
2019, and the same came into effect from 20th July 2020 replacing
the old Consumer Protection Act, 1986 ("Old
Act"). The purpose of the act is to protect the
interest of the consumers and to provide effective and timely
settlement of dispute, connected to consumers. The New Act
introduced the online filing of complaint and meditation proceeding
for the speedy and effective disposal of consumer cases.
Under Section 2 (6) of New Act,
Complaint is defined as any allegation in writing, made by a
complainant for obtaining the relief provided under the act in case
of unfair trade practices, defects in goods, deficiency in service,
excess price of goods and services, selling of hazardous goods.
Complainant can also claim product liability against the
manufacturer or service provider.