Consumer protection is governed by several laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding the interests of consumers. The key legislation is the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, which replaced the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Here are some critical aspects of consumer protection laws in India:

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

1.    Rights of Consumers: The Act provides for the following consumer rights:

o    The right to be protected against marketing goods and services hazardous to life and property.

o    Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.

o    Right to be assured of access to various goods or services at competitive prices.

o    Just to be heard and to be assured that consumer interests will be considered.

o    Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices.

o    Right to consumer education.

2.    Consumer Protection Councils: The Act establishes Consumer Protection Councils at the national, state, and district levels to promote and protect consumer rights.

3.    Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions: The Act provides for the establishment of Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions at the district, state, and national levels:

o    District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (District Commission).

o    State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (State Commission).

o    National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (National Commission).

4.    E-Commerce: The Act includes provisions to regulate e-commerce and online sales, ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected in the digital marketplace.

5.    Product Liability: The Act introduces the concept of product liability, holding manufacturers, service providers, and sellers accountable for any harm caused to consumers due to defective products or services.

6.    Unfair Trade Practices: The Act defines and prohibits unfair trade practices, such as false or misleading advertisements, and provides remedies for consumers affected by such practices.

Other Relevant Laws

1.    The Essential Commodities Act of 1955 aims to ensure the easy availability of essential commodities to consumers and protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous traders.

2.    The Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016 establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to harmoniously develop standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods.

3.    The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: This Act consolidates various laws relating to food safety and establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products to ensure their safety and quality.

4.    The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: This Act regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality.

5.    The Legal Metrology Act of 2009 regulates the weights and measures standards to protect consumers' interests and ensure fair trade practices.

These laws and regulations collectively aim to protect consumers from exploitation, ensure the safety and quality of goods and services, and provide mechanisms for redressing consumer grievances in India.