At present, the consumer protection legislation confers certain rights on consumers to safeguard their interests viz. protection against marketing of goods and services hazardous to life and property, information respecting quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services with a view to ensuring protection against unfair trade practices, assurance of access to variety of goods and services at competitive prices, redressal against unfair trade practices etc.

Notwithstanding the above, it has become increasingly evident that a dearth of laws that effectively regulate products and services impacting health, environment and safety has resulted in inadequate opportunities to achieve consumer welfare.

In order to initiate a strong consumer protection regime and empower consumers against sub-standard goods, the Planning Commission, GOI has recommended stringent consumer laws encompassing a product liability clause to render erring manufacturers and suppliers liable to pay punitive damages; a move, which is slated to substantially overhaul existing consumer laws.

The Planning Commission has put forth its recommendations in relation to mandatory standards for products which impact the health and safety of consumers including but not limited to electrical appliances, electronic, IT and telecom products, medical devices, industrial and fire safety equipment and material used for food packaging.

In light of the inadequacy of the Quality Council of India, the apex body regulating agencies empowered to certify quality, it is envisaged that a National Quality and Standardization Authority would be established to provide voluntary standards for all areas of economic and social activities and mandatory standards for products.

In furtherance of its commitment to strengthen the consumer protection legislative regime, GOI has also recommended establishment of a National Consumer Protection Authority to investigate deceptive practices and misleading advertisements by manufacturers and service providers.

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