Lok Sabha clears amended Consumer Protection Bill

Question: Recently Consumer Protection Bill was passed in Lok Sabha. It Seeks –
(a) To replace Consumer Protection Act, 1986
(b) To replace Consumer Protection Act,1991
(c) To replace Consumer Protection Act,1982
(d) To replace Consumer Protection Act,1981
Answer: (a)
elated facts:

  • On 20 December 2018 Lok Sabha passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 that seeks to replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
  • The Bill enforces consumer rights, and provides a guided way for redressal of complaints regarding defect in goods and deficiency in services.
  • Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions will be set up at the District, State and at National levels for determining consumer complaints.
  • District Commissions will redress complaints involving claims worth one crore rupees, which was 20 lakh rupees earlier, at the State Commissions complaints involving claims worth 15 crore rupees, which was 1 crore rupees earlier will be heard. Complaints over and above that limit would be handled by the National Commission.
  • The Bill will have the power to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights as a class.
  • The Bill also seeks to impose stringent punishment for food adulterations.

Links:
http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=356913
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/consumer-protection-bill-2018
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/consumer-protection-bill-2018-passed-in-lok-sabha-heres-what-you-need-to-know/articleshow/67176846.cms