Product Liability Law In India: An Evolution

PRODUCT LIABILITY LAW IN INDIA: AN EVOLUTION

Product liability law provides the consumers with legal recourse for any injuries suffered from a defective product. It is estimated that millions of people around the globe are negatively affected by defective products, and that the manufacturers or sellers end up paying large amounts for products-liability insurance as well as damages. A product is required to meet the ordinary expectations of a consumer, therefore, responsibility lies with the manufacturers and the sellers to ensure safety and quality of the product as per description. This, however, has not always been the case. The theory of caveat emptor, meaning let the buyer beware, governed the general consumer law from 18^th century up until early 20^th century.¹ Where the lifestyle was modest and all the products that were locally made, and therefore any consumer who suffered any damages from a defective product could directly confront the manufacturer and