Empowering Consumers: Redefining India’s Consumer Laws
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
Rushil Verma, Symbiosis Law School, Pune
ABSTRACT
This essay discusses one of the most important issues in India, i.e., consumer product safety through the changing nature of the legal regimes and ever- expanding judicial activism in the protection of consumer rights. Historical movements are also traced from the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 to some of the most recent changes ushered in by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, with particular reference to how these changes will affect the evolving manner in which the legislative framework meets the challenges posed by a dynamic market. The essay then proceeds to an invocation of paradigm judgments that have overhauled liability standards of manufacturers and distributors in an attempt to advance the application of the key principle that the safety of the consumer should prevail at the expense of commercial interests.
The essay further emphasizes the effects of globalization and technological innovations, with particular reference to the swift emergence of e-commerce and digital marketplaces, introducing some new risks and complexities with respect to ensuring product quality and safety. Some of the issues identified include divided enforcement of regulations, lack of education of consumers about the electronic supply chain, and difficulty in tracing the electronic supply chain. Finally, this essay emphasizes the pressing need to implement an integrated, multi-faceted strategy of adopting progressive reforms and consumer awareness campaigns to facilitate the establishment of a safer and responsible marketplace.
Keywords: Consumer Protection Act; Product Safety; Indian Consumer Statute; Consumer Law; Consumer Awareness.
