Consumer Rights in the New Economy: Amending the Consumer Protection Act, 1986

Abstract

Liberalisation and globalisation of the India economy, inaugurated in 1990, ushered in a qualitatively different economy. In these decades, there has been expansion of goods and services; diversification in the means of reaching the consumer; proliferation of trade practices; coming in of ecommerce; vigorous sales promotion; and aggressive advertising. The persona of a consumer has undergone a transformation. The legislative regime for protection of consumer needs reform. The government has suggested changes in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Taking this as the context, the article reviews the proposed amendments and identifies further areas for amendment. The article has identified four overarching aspects of consumer rights for review, unfair terms in contracts; unfair trade practices; commerce through online platforms; and definition of consumer.