About Central Consumer Protection Authority:
- It was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the 1986 Act, came into force in 2020.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
- Composition of CCPA:
- Chief Commissioner: A Chief Commissioner heads the CCPA and has two other commissioners:
- One commissioner deals with goods-related issues.
- The other commissioner handles service-related complaints.
- Functions and Powers of CCPA:
- The CCPA protects, promotes and enforces the rights of consumers as a class under the Act.
- It prevents unfair trade practices and curbs false or misleading advertisements.
- It ensures that no one publishes or disseminates false or misleading advertisements.
- It can initiate class-action suits, including recall, refunds, and cancellation of licenses, when necessary.
- The CCPA can conduct inquiries and investigations through its investigation Wing, headed by a Director-General.
- It can order the discontinuation of unfair practices, impose penalties on errant businesses, and enforce consumer welfare measures.
