‘New Consumer Protection Act proposes a slew of measures to safeguard consumer rights’: Justice R.K. Aggarwal
Chandigarh, October 20, 2019: “The new Consumer Protection Act 2019 proposes a slew of measures and tightens the existing rules to safeguard consumer rights, strict penalty for misleading advertisements, guidelines for e-commerce and electronic service providers will be implemented through the new act”, said Hon’ble Justice R.K. Aggarwal (Retd.) President, National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
He was the chief guest at a conference on consumer rights was held at GGDSD College in Sector 32 here where experts dwelled on the various aspects of consumer awareness. The conference was held by Rotaract Club of the college in association with Rotary Club Chandigarh, Central and Rotaract Club Chandigarh Midtown. The topic of the conference was, “Is Consumer Always Right”.
The theme of the Conference was ‘Rotary connects the World’. The conference delved into the Consumer Protection Act 2019 which addresses the new set of challenges faced by consumers in the digital age. The Act aims to provide the timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes.
Hon’ble Justice RK Aggarwal, President NCDRC spoke about the ‘Advances In Consumer Law- Vision For Future’. He explained that the focus of the new act shifts from the buyer to the seller. The act also makes provision for product liability. He, concluded, that this new act is a panacea for the consumers and the society, at large. He focused that delayed justice is denial in justice and the new act makes sure that the complaints are disposed off in 90 days .
The speaker NC Rana spoke about Who Is A Consumer? where he talked about consumer associations that are trying their best to count to consumer rights and solve and resolve the cases for consumer upliftment.
The second speaker for the day Advocate Sukhandeep Singh made aware of the various consumer laws while laying emphasis on international law for consumers in UK and US. The third speaker Rotarian Dr. Balram Gupta, Director Academics, Chandigarh Judicial Academy spoke about how rotary connects the consumer by laying emphasis on resolving disputes of consumers through mediation.
The next speaker Dr. BC Gupta IAS (Retd.), Ex member NCDRC spoke about ‘My Tryst with Consumer Law’. Through case studies, he explained how common people are aggrieved. He also spoke about the importance of obtaining transit visa, how consumer should be aware and steps taken for redressal of consumer issues out of court.
Surinder Verma, Chairman, Citizens Awareness Group (CAG) while speaking on the occasion said it was important for the consumers to know about their rights. He added there was a need to spread awareness about consumer laws so that consumers can get justice and are not cheated.
Dr Balraj Thapar, Principal, Sh NC Rana, President Consumer Association Panchkula, Rtn Salil Bali, President Rotary Club Chandigarh Midtown, and Dr BC Gupta, Ex IAS (Retd), Ex Member NCDRC, was the conference chair. The vote of thanks was given by Rtn RTPS Tulsi and mementoes were given to the speakers.
