Consumer Protection Bill 2018

The Bill sets up Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (consumer courts) to hear complaints on matters like: (i) defect in goods or deficiency in services; (ii) unfair or restrictive trade practices; (iii) excessive pricing; (iv) knowingly selling goods or providing services that do not meet safety norms; and (v) product liability. Such complaints can be filed electronically and from where the complainant resides or works.
These Commissions will be set up at District, State and National level, with pecuniary jurisdiction up to Rs one crore, Rs one crore to Rs 10 crore, and above Rs 10 crore, respectively. In case of unfair contracts, the State Commissions will hear complaints where the value is up to Rs 10 crore, and National Commissions will hear complaints above that value. These Commissions can declare unfair terms of such contracts to be null and void.
Appeals from the District Commissions will be heard by the State Commission, and from the State Commission by the National Commission. Appeals from the National Commission will be heard by the Supreme Court.
The Commissions will attempt to dispose a complaint within three months, if the complaint does not require analysis or testing of commodities. If analysis and testing is required, the complaint will be disposed within a period of five months.
The District Commissions will consist of a President and at least two members. The State and National Commissions will consist of a President and at least four members. The qualifications, tenure, and method of appointment and removal of the President and members of these Commissions will be prescribed by central government through notification.
The Bill also provides for mediation cells attached to the District, State and National Commissions. The Commissions may refer a matter for mediation if the parties consent to settle their dispute in this manner.
Above were the key features of revised Consumer protection Bill 2018 however due to political gamble, the same failed in RS. It is the high time that people of INDIA choose right government which can make their life corruption free and easy to live
Vinod Agrawal more