Following are the Needs, Necessities and objectives of the CPA, 2019 :-


Needs:


  1. High prices of goods and services.
  2. False representation of quality, standard of services.
  3. Monopoly by public sector.
  4. Short supply of goods and services.
  5. Represent the goods to have certain usage/benefits, which they do not have in actual.
  6. Incorrect rate of quantity.
  7. Lack of awareness.
  8. Advertisement leading to the confusion.
  9. Incomplete information.
  10. Lack of competition.
  11. Consumers are not organised.
  12. Rebuild second hand goods as new.


Necessities:


  1. Addressing online marketplace concerns –

The act specifically addresses issues related to e-commerce, including online transactions, digital ads, and consumer protection in the online space, which were not adequately addressed in the previous legislation.

  1. Combating misleading ads –

The act empowers authorities to regulate false/misleading ads across all media platforms, including online to protect consumers from deceptive marketing tactics.

  1. Establishing a robust redressal system –

By creating the CCPA, the act provides a dedicated body to investigate consumer complaint, initiate actions against erring businesses and award compensation to the affected consumers.

  1. Empowering consumers with knowledge –

The act promotes consumer awareness regarding their rights and provides access to information about products and services, enabling them to make informed choices.

  1. Protecting vulnerable consumers –

The act seeks to particularly safeguard vulnerable consumers such as, those with digital illiteracy from getting exploited.

  1. Promoting fair trade practices –

By setting clear guidelines for businesses, the act aims to encourage ethical practices and prevent unfair terms and conditions from being imposed on consumers.


Main objective of CPA:


The main objective of the Consumer Protection Act is to safeguard consumers’ interests by providing legal rights and remedies against unfair trade practices, defective goods and deficient services. It aims to create a system for addressing consumer grievances efficiently and promoting consumer awareness.

Some objectives are as follows:

  1. Enacted to provide for the better protection of the rights of the consumer.
  2. Empowerment of the consumer by making them aware about their rights and responsibilities.
  3. Provision of effective, inexpensive, and speedy redressal system to consumer.
  4. Consumer forum is headed by persons with judicial background.
  5. Efficient regulation of commodity in future market.
  6. Monitoring of prices of essential commodities.
  7. To promote and protect the interest of the consumer.
  8. Certification schemes for production and services.
  9. Proceedings are conducted as per the rules of natural justice.