Cabinet approves revised Consumer Protection Bill

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a revised Consumer Protection Bill 2015 that seeks to replace a 29-year-old law and proposes setting up a regulatory authority to check unfair trade practices. The decision was taken by the Centre in its meeting held on Wednesday, sources said.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry aims to introduce the Bill in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. The Bill seeks to create a Consumer Protection Authority on lines of the US and European countries for fast-tracking redressal of consumer grievances. To ensure safe products to consumers, the Bill has a provision for product liability and provides enough powers to the regulatory authority to recall products and cancel licences if any consumer complaint affects more than one individual, sources said. For speedy disposal of cases, the Bill seeks to provide ‘mediation’ as an alternative route to resolve disputes and suggests <g data-gr-id="11">simplified</g> judicial process to ensure inexpensive justice.