Introduction
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes Consumer Protection Councils to promote and protect the rights of consumers in India. These councils mainly perform an advisory role and help create awareness about consumer rights.
Chapter II of the Act (Sections 3–9) provides for the establishment of these councils at different levels of government.
Meaning / Definition
Consumer Protection Councils are advisory bodies created under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to promote and protect consumer rights.
Their main function is to advise the government on matters related to consumer protection and help ensure that consumer rights listed under Section 2(9) of the Act are promoted and safeguarded.
These councils do not decide disputes. Their role is advisory and promotional, not judicial.
Modes or Types
Central Consumer Protection Council
The Central Consumer Protection Council is established by the Central Government through a notification under Section 3(1).
Composition
According to Section 3(2), the Council consists of:
- The Minister in charge of Consumer Affairs in the Central Government, who acts as the Chairman.
- Other official and non-official members representing different interests, as prescribed by rules.
Meetings
Under Section 4, the Council must meet at least once every year. Additional meetings may be held whenever necessary.
The Chairman decides the time and place of the meeting, and the procedure is governed by prescribed rules.
Objects
According to Section 5, the main object of the Council is to advise on the promotion and protection of consumer rights under the Act.
State Consumer Protection Council
Every State Government must establish a State Consumer Protection Council under Section 6(1) by issuing a notification.
Composition
Under Section 6(2), the Council consists of:
- The Minister in charge of Consumer Affairs in the State Government, who acts as the Chairman.
- Other official and non-official members representing different interests, as prescribed by rules.
- Up to ten additional members nominated by the Central Government.
Meetings
Under Section 6(3), the State Council must meet at least twice a year.
The Chairman decides the time and place of meetings, and the procedure is governed by rules.
Objects
According to Section 7, the State Council advises on the promotion and protection of consumer rights within the state.
District Consumer Protection Council
Under Section 8(1), every State Government must establish a District Consumer Protection Council for each district.
Composition
According to Section 8(2), the Council consists of:
- The District Collector (or Deputy Commissioner) who acts as the Chairman.
- Other official and non-official members representing various interests, as prescribed by the State Government.
Meetings
Under Section 8(3), the District Council must meet at least twice a year, and additional meetings may be held when required.
The Chairman decides the time and place of meetings, and procedures are governed by rules.
Objects
According to Section 9, the District Council advises on the promotion and protection of consumer rights within the district.
Distinction / Comparison
| Basis | Central Council | State Council | District Council |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of operation | National level | State level | District level |
| Established by | Central Government | State Government | State Government |
| Chairman | Union Minister for Consumer Affairs | State Minister for Consumer Affairs | District Collector / Deputy Commissioner |
| Minimum meetings | Once a year | Twice a year | Twice a year |
| Area of responsibility | Entire country | Particular state | Particular district |
Practical Example
Suppose there are increasing complaints about misleading advertisements in online shopping platforms.
The Central Consumer Protection Council may advise the government to strengthen rules relating to advertisements and online commerce in order to better protect consumer rights.
Summary
- Consumer Protection Councils are advisory bodies established under Chapter II of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Their purpose is to promote and protect consumer rights listed in Section 2(9).
- These councils exist at three levels: Central, State, and District.
- The Central Council is chaired by the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs.
- The State Council is chaired by the State Minister for Consumer Affairs.
- The District Council is chaired by the District Collector.
- These councils mainly provide advice and promote awareness of consumer rights rather than deciding consumer disputes.