Consumer Protection Law and Miscellaneous Commercial Laws
Consumer Protection Act, 2019
A consumer buys goods or hires services for consideration, but not for resale or commercial purpose; e-commerce buyers and sellers are covered. Unfair trade practices and unfair contract terms are actionable. Product liability under ss.82–87 fixes responsibility on manufacturers, service providers and sellers.
Fora and procedure
Three tiers: District Commission up to ₹50 lakh, State Commission above ₹50 lakh up to ₹2 crore, National Commission above ₹2 crore. Complaints may be filed electronically, no fee is payable up to ₹5 lakh, and limitation is two years from the cause of action. Mediation is encouraged. Appeals go to the State Commission within 45 days and to the National Commission within 30 days.
Allied statute: Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
Section 7 requires a written arbitration agreement; s.8 requires a judicial authority to refer parties to arbitration; s.9 provides interim measures; s.11 allows the Supreme Court or High Court to appoint arbitrators; s.29A fixes 12 months plus a 6-month extension; s.34 permits setting aside on limited grounds.
Worked example. A buyer pays ₹80 lakh for a flat delivered late and claims ₹90 lakh. Because the claim exceeds ₹50 lakh but is within ₹2 crore, the State Commission has jurisdiction, not the District Commission.
Traps. Filing after two years; treating a commercial purchase as a consumer transaction; forgetting that limitation runs from the date of the defect or deficiency, not the contract date.