Parliament on Tuesday passed the Consumer Protection Bill 2019 that seeks to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes. The Bill, already passed by Lok Sabha, was approved in the Upper House by voice vote.

The bill seeks to strengthen rights of consumers and provides a mechanism for redressal of complaints regarding defects in goods and deficiency in services.The bill also seeks to set up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and enforce consumer rights as a class.

The CCPA would make interventions to prevent consumer detriment arising from unfair trade practices.The agency can also initiate class action, including enforcing recall, refund and return of products.

The authority will have power to impose a penalty on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to 10 lakh rupees and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement.The bill also seeks to protect consumers who could get lured by misleading ads or false claims.

Replying to a debate on the Bill, Consumers Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan said that the suggestions given by the members would be included in the rules framed by the ministry under this legislation.