Union government decided to amend the Consumer Protection Act 1986

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on 30 November 2014 decided to amend the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 1986.

The move aims to strengthen the three-tier grievance redressal system stipulated under the Act.

Ministry announced the following amendment:

• The amendment will set up a consumer protection authority that will take care of groups or classes for which no remedial measures could be taken under the present form of the Act as it focuses on cases pertaining to individuals only.
• The amendment covers e-commerce, product liability, misleading advertisements within its purview.
• The strength of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) will be increased and five more members, including a woman and one each from SC, ST, OBC and minority communities, will be added to it. At present is has 10 members and a Chairman.

• The strength of the state consumer commissions and district fora will also be strengthened.
• The amendment is set to introduce product liability charges even in cases like train or flight delays. Instead of just refunding the amount paid, the service providers will be liable to punitive action, fine and compensation.
• The amendment will also do away with the compromise rule under the CPA if the matter is related to ‘danger to life’ or ‘public safety’.
• The issue of misleading advertisements that promise moon to the consumers will also be handled. The changes in the CPA will ensure that such advertisers are punished.