Topic : Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3. The new Consumer Protection Act (CPA) has come into operation replacing the earlier law, which was over three decades old. What are the fundamental differences between the two Acts and will the new law serve the expectations of the consumer better than its predecessor? Explain. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA), which came into effect on July 24, 2020, is expected to go a long way in serving the interests of consumers at large. Thus the question.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the transformative changes that the CPA underwent and is going to benefit the consumers in a more better and holistic way.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly talk about the CPA 2019.
Body:
Explain that the present law is a generation next statute intending to build upon the old 1986 law. The 1986 law intended to ‘better protect’ the interest of the consumer by providing easy dispute resolution tribunals at district, State, and national levels.
It also established Consumer Councils – again at district, State, and national levels to work towards consumer welfare. However based on the overall experience gained by the working of the old CPA, a new enactment has been brought forth with greater emphasis on enhanced overall consumer welfare.
The constitution of a CCPA, as envisaged under the new law, is expected to serve consumer welfare in a big way. The authority will be headed by a Chief Commissioner and will have sweeping powers with the investigation wing empowered to carry out search and seize operations and also register cases under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
List down a good comparison of the Act before and now.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
