Consumer Protection Law: Safeguarding Your Rights at Panwar and Associates

In today’s dynamic marketplace, consumers are at the heart of the economy. However, despite advancements, consumers often face challenges ranging from deceptive advertising and defective products to deficient services and unfair trade practices. At Panwar and Associates, we are steadfastly committed to empowering consumers and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Leveraging the robust framework of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and other relevant statutes, we provide comprehensive legal support to individuals and groups seeking redressal against exploitation and to businesses striving for compliance.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019: A Modern Shield for Consumers

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA 2019), which replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, is a landmark legislation in India. It was enacted to provide for the protection of consumer interests and to establish authorities for the timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes. This Act addresses the complexities of the modern marketplace, including the rise of e-commerce and digital transactions.

Key Features of the CPA 2019 include:

• Expanded Definition of “Consumer”: Now includes transactions conducted offline, online, through electronic means, teleshopping, direct selling, and multi-level marketing.
• Establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): A central regulatory authority with powers to promote, protect, and enforce consumer rights, including investigating violations, issuing safety notices, recalling hazardous goods, and imposing penalties for misleading advertisements.
• Product Liability: Introduces direct liability for product manufacturers, service providers, and sellers for harm caused by defective products or deficient services.
• Unfair Contracts: Provides for the declaration of “unfair contracts” as null and void, protecting consumers from terms that cause significant changes in their rights.
• Enhanced Pecuniary and Territorial Jurisdiction: Revised monetary limits for filing complaints across District, State, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs), and allows complaints to be filed from the place of residence or business of the complainant.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Emphasizes mediation as a viable option for resolving disputes, encouraging amicable and speedy settlements.
• E-filing and Video Conferencing: Facilitates easier access to justice through electronic filing of complaints and hearings via video conferencing.

Our Services in Consumer Protection Law:

At Panwar and Associates, we represent consumers and businesses across a wide range of consumer protection matters:

• Filing Consumer Complaints: We assist consumers in drafting and filing complaints before the appropriate Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (District, State, and National Commissions) for:
  • Defective goods.
  • Deficient services.
  • Unfair Trade Practices (UTPs).
  • Restrictive Trade Practices (RTPs).
  • Misleading Advertisements.
  • Overcharging or deceptive charging.
  • Sale of hazardous goods or services.
• Product Liability Claims: Representing consumers seeking compensation for injuries or damages caused by defective products or services.
• Challenging Unfair Contracts: Advising consumers on clauses in contracts that are deemed unfair and pursuing legal action to have them declared null and void.
• Misleading Advertising: Taking action against manufacturers, service providers, and endorsers for false or misleading advertisements.
• E-commerce and Digital Transactions: Addressing grievances arising from online purchases, digital services, and multi-level marketing schemes.
• Representation before CCPA: Assisting consumers in lodging complaints with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for class-action matters or violations affecting consumers as a class.
• Appeals and Revisions: Representing clients in appeals and revision petitions before higher forums against orders passed by Consumer Commissions.
• Advisory for Businesses: Providing proactive legal advice to manufacturers, service providers, and sellers to ensure compliance with the CPA 2019 and prevent potential consumer disputes. This includes advice on product labeling, advertising standards, service agreements, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Mediation and Settlement: Facilitating amicable settlements through mediation, whenever appropriate, to achieve faster and cost-effective resolutions.

Your Rights as a Consumer (as per CPA 2019):

We help you assert your fundamental consumer rights:

• Right to Safety: To be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
• Right to be Informed: To be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.
• Right to Choose: To be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
• Right to be Heard: To be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
• Right to Seek Redressal: To seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
• Right to Consumer Education: To acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer.

Why Choose Panwar and Associates for Consumer Protection?

• Dedicated Expertise: Our lawyers possess specialized knowledge of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and its evolving interpretations.
• Strategic Advocacy: We develop clear, effective strategies tailored to your specific consumer grievance, aiming for the most favorable outcome.
• Accessible Justice: We simplify the complex legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
• Strong Representation: Whether negotiating settlements or arguing your case in consumer forums, we provide tenacious and persuasive representation.
• Proactive Compliance for Businesses: We help businesses establish robust internal policies and practices to minimize consumer complaints and ensure legal compliance.

Don’t let your consumer rights be violated. If you have experienced a consumer dispute, or if your business requires guidance on consumer law compliance, contact Panwar and Associates. We are here to provide the legal support you need to achieve justice and fair trade practices.