Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha

Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha
 The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015, was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 10, 2015. The Bill replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.16 The Bill covers all types of consumer transactions, including online and electronic, and creates various quasi - judicial mechanisms for oversight and enforcement of the law. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on August 26, 2015 and the report is expected within three months. Key features of the Bill include:
 Definition of consumer: The Bill defines a consumer as any person who buys a good or hires a service for a consideration. This includes the user of such good or service, but not one who obtains the good for resale or commercial purposes. It covers transactions through all modes including offline, online through electronic means, teleshopping, or multi level marketing.
 Product liability: If defects in the manufacture, construction, design, testing, service, marketing etc. of a product results in any personal injury or property damage to a consumer, the manufacturer would be made liable in a product liability action.
 Consumer protection agencies: The central government will set up the Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect as well as enforce the rights of consumers. Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) are also to be set up at the district, state and national levels for the adjudication of consumer complaints.
 Consumer Mediation Cells (CMCs): The Bill introduces mediation as a mode of dispute resolution. National, State and District CMCs will be established and attached to the CDRCs.
 Penalties: Any person who fails to comply with an order of either of the Commissions would be liable for imprisonment from one month to three years, or with a fine from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000