Context:
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a show-cause notice to Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. for alleged violation of consumer rights.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):
- Established in – 2020
- Based on – Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Consumer Affairs
- Objective – To protect consumer rights by addressing unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements.
- Composition –
- Chief Commissioner serving as the head of the authority.
- 2 Commissioners – One for goods-related matters and the other for services-related matters.
- Investigation Wing headed by a Director General.
- District Collectors are also empowered to investigate complaints of consumer rights violations, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.
- Powers and Functions –
- Can investigate violations suo motu, on complaints, or on government directions.
- Can order the recall of dangerous goods/services and refund the prices to consumers.
- Can order penalties up to ₹10 lakh and imprisonment up to 2 years for false/misleading advertisements
- Higher penalties for subsequent offences.
- Can ban endorsers of false advertisements for up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years for repeat offences.
Read more about Consumer Protection Act
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to consumer’s rights/ privileges under the provision of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumer are empowered to take samples for food testing
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: A small fee proportionate to the compensation claimed is to be paid.
