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INTRODUCTION: In August 2019, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 repealed the 1986 Act. Because of the changing economic liberalization, globalization of markets and digitalization of products and services the Act was amended from time-to-time. But, its practical implementation was far from fulfilling its objective of providing better protection of the interests of consumers. Keeping the same objective in mind, the legislators this time has expanded the scope of the Act by bringing within its purview advertising claims, endorsements and product liability all of which play a fundamental role in altering consumer behavior and retail trends in the 21st century.
Amendments in the Act: “Consumer” The 2019 Act, also includes those people who make purchases online under the category “consumer” defined in Section 2(7) of the Act. An additional provision of endorsement of goods and services is being covered under the 2019 Act. This has been done to prevent false or misleading advertisements. “Goods” The definition of “goods” provided under Section 2(21) is being enlarged by including the “food” as defined in the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This would also bring the meteorically rising number of food delivery platforms within the fold of the 2019 Act. “Telecom Services” In the definition of services given under Section 2(42) the “telecom services” has been added in the text of the definition of services given under the 2019 Act. But on the other hand, the telecom service as defined under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act is not being included under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. “Product Liability” The concept of “product liability” has been introduced in the Act of 2019. Whereby the manufactures/sellers have been made responsible for the harm caused to the consumer by defective products or from deficiency in services. Under this, the application for compensation