The central Consumer Protection Authority, commonly known as the CCPA, is the authority that regulates matters related to consumer rights. Any unfair trade practices or misleading advertisements, prejudicial to the rights of consumers as per Consumer Protection Act 2019 are addressed by CCPA. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is the parent law for establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority in India. Let us know more about the CCPA through this blog.
About Central Consumer Protection Authority
Consumers are the major reason any economy thrives. To protect their interests, an authoritative pair of eyes is needed. As mentioned in the Act, CCPA is set up “to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.” The CCPA Headquarters are based in the National Capital Region of Delhi. A lot of people search for CCPA Ministry, so the authority operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
CCPA Chairman and Members
The establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority is laid under Chapter 3, Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The authority consists of a Chief Commissioner and Commissioners. The CCPA also has an Investigation Wing headed by a Director General for the purpose of conducting inquiry or investigation on directions of the Central Consumer Protection Authority. Given below are the currently appointed members of CCPA and Investigation Wing:
- Chief Commissioner: Smt. Nidhi Khare
- Commissioner: Sh. Anupam Mishra
- Investigation Wing Director General: Sh. Pramod Kumar Tiwari
- ADG Investigation Wing: Dr. Alok Kumar Srivastava
Complaints to CCPA
As mentioned under Section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act, a complaint related to violation of consumer rights may be made to the CCPA. It may be related to any of the following:
- Violation of consumer rights; or
- Unfair trade practices; or
- False advertisements prejudicial to consumer interests; or
- Misleading advertisements prejudicial to consumer interests.
The complaint may be made in writing, or even in electronic mode. Such a complaint may be made to the District Collector, the Regional Commissioner, or that of the Central Authority.
Powers and Functions of CCPA
- To protect, promote and enforce the rights of consumers as a class,
- Prevent violation of consumers rights
- Prevent unfair trade practices, while ensuring that no one engages himself in unfair trade practices
- To ensure that no false or misleading advertisement is made of any goods or services in contravention of Consumer Laws.
- Ensure that no one participates in publication of any false or misleading advertisement
- Inquire or Investigate into violations of consumer rights or unfair trade practices (suo motu or on receiving a complaint or on Central Govt. directions
- File complaints before the District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission
- Intervene in any proceedings before the District Commission or the State Commission or the National Commission, regarding allegations of violation of consumer rights or unfair trade practices
- Review matters related to, and factors inhibiting enjoyment of consumer rights (this may include safeguards provided for consumer protection and recommend appropriate remedial measures for their effective implementation;
- Recommend adoption of international covenants and best international practices on consumer rights to ensure effective enforcement of consumer rights
- Undertake and promote research in the field of consumer rights
- Spread and promote awareness on consumer rights
- Encourage non-Governmental organisations and other institutions working in the field of consumer rights to co-operate and work with consumer protection agencies
- Mandate the use of unique and universal goods identifiers in such goods to prevent unfair trade practices and to protect consumers’ interest
- Issue safety notices to alert consumers against dangerous or hazardous or unsafe goods or services
- Advise Ministries and Departments of the Central and State Governments on consumer welfare measures
- Issue necessary guidelines to prevent unfair trade practices and protect consumer interests.
- Cause matters investigated and Refer to concerned Regulator along with its report
- Pass order recalling goods or withdrawal of services which are dangerous, hazardous or unsafe
- Order for reimbursement of the prices of goods or services so recalled to purchasers of such goods or services; and
- Order discontinuation of practices which are unfair and prejudicial to consumers’ interest:
- After confirmation of false or misleading advertisements, order the trader or manufacturer or endorser or advertiser or publisher to discontinue such ads or modify them
CCPA Highlights
- Purpose (Act): To regulate violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.
- Composition: Chairperson, five central commissioners, five regional commissioners.
- Selection: Selection Committee chaired by Niti Aayog member and having two secretaries to central government.
- Qualification: 25 years’ experience in fields such as law, economics and public affairs.
- Term: Five years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: Insolvency or on recommendation of an inquiry committee for offences, misuse of position etc.
