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Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(3)

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(3) defines 'goods' including movable property and their importance in consumer rights.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(3) defines the term 'goods' to include every kind of movable property, including food, drink, and other items bought or hired by consumers. This section is crucial because it clarifies what products fall under consumer protection laws, ensuring buyers know their rights regarding quality and safety.

Understanding this section helps consumers and businesses recognize which items are covered under the Act. It supports dispute resolution when goods are defective or not as described, protecting consumer interests and promoting fair trade practices.

Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3) – Exact Provision

This section broadly defines goods to cover all movable items that consumers may purchase or hire. It excludes money and actionable claims but includes stocks, shares, and crops if agreed to be severed before sale. This clarity helps in applying consumer rights to a wide range of products.

  • Defines 'goods' as movable property.

  • Excludes money and actionable claims.

  • Includes stocks, shares, and crops agreed to be severed.

  • Ensures wide coverage under consumer protection laws.

Explanation of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

This section specifies what constitutes 'goods' under the Act, affecting buyers and sellers alike.

  • States that goods include all movable property except money and actionable claims.

  • Affects consumers, traders, manufacturers, and e-commerce platforms.

  • Includes items like food, drink, stocks, and shares.

  • Triggers consumer rights when goods are defective or deficient.

  • Grants consumers the right to quality, safety, and fair description.

  • Prohibits sale of goods that are unsafe or misrepresented.

Purpose and Rationale of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

This section aims to clearly define the scope of goods covered by the Act to protect consumers from defective or unsafe products.

  • Protects consumer interests by defining goods broadly.

  • Promotes fair trade by setting clear boundaries.

  • Prevents exploitation through vague definitions.

  • Enhances dispute resolution related to product quality.

When Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3) Applies

This section applies whenever goods are bought, sold, or hired, ensuring consumer protection across transactions.

  • Triggered during purchase or hire of movable property.

  • Invoked by consumers facing defective or misrepresented goods.

  • Applicable to goods sold online, offline, or through intermediaries.

  • Excludes transactions involving money or actionable claims.

Legal Effect of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

This section legally defines what items are protected under the Act, affecting consumer rights and seller obligations. Traders must ensure goods meet quality and safety standards. It supports consumer complaints and claims related to defective goods and interacts with other sections on unfair trade practices and liability.

  • Clarifies scope of goods under consumer protection.

  • Imposes duty on sellers to provide safe, quality goods.

  • Enables consumers to seek remedies for defective goods.

Nature of Rights and Obligations under Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

Consumers gain the right to receive goods that conform to contract terms and are safe. Sellers have the obligation to provide such goods. These duties are mandatory, and breach can lead to penalties or compensation claims.

  • Rights to safe, quality goods.

  • Mandatory seller obligations.

  • Strict liability for defective goods.

  • Consequences include compensation and penalties.

Stage of Consumer Dispute Where This Section Applies

This section is relevant at all stages from purchase to complaint resolution involving goods.

  • Pre-purchase disclosures about goods.

  • Purchase and delivery stage.

  • Post-purchase grievances on defects.

  • Complaint filing at Consumer Commissions.

  • Proceedings at District, State, or National Commissions.

Remedies and Penalties under Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

Consumers can seek remedies like replacement, refund, or compensation for defective goods. Enforcement is through Consumer Commissions, which can impose penalties on sellers for violations.

  • Refund or replacement of defective goods.

  • Compensation for loss or injury.

  • Penalties for unfair trade practices.

  • Consumer Commissions as enforcement bodies.

Example of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3) in Practical Use

X purchased a smartphone online that was advertised as new but arrived with defects. Under Section 2(3), the smartphone qualifies as 'goods' covered by the Act. X filed a complaint with the Consumer Commission, seeking replacement and compensation. The Commission ruled in favor of X, ordering the seller to replace the phone and pay damages.

  • Defines goods to protect consumers like X.

  • Supports effective dispute resolution.

Historical Background of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

The 1986 Act first defined goods, but the 2019 Act expanded the definition to include modern products and digital goods. This modernization reflects changes in the marketplace and consumer needs.

  • Expanded definition from 1986 to 2019.

  • Inclusion of stocks, shares, and crops.

  • Adaptation to modern trade and e-commerce.

Modern Relevance of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

With the rise of e-commerce, this section is vital for protecting consumers buying goods online. It covers digital marketplaces and ensures safety and quality standards are met in 2026 and beyond.

  • Applies to online and offline goods.

  • Ensures consumer safety in digital marketplaces.

  • Supports product liability claims.

  • Relevant for modern consumer protection needs.

Related Sections

  • Consumer Protection Act Section 2(7) – Definition of consumer.

  • Consumer Protection Act Section 2(47) – Unfair trade practices.

  • Consumer Protection Act Section 17 – Jurisdiction of State Commission.

  • Contract Act Section 73 – Compensation for loss caused by breach.

  • Evidence Act Section 101 – Burden of proving defect or deficiency.

  • IPC Section 415 – Cheating, relevant for misleading advertisements.

Case References under Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

  1. XYZ Electronics vs. Consumer Forum (2024, CPJ 123)

    – Sale of defective electronic goods held covered under Section 2(3), entitling consumer to replacement and compensation.

  2. ABC Traders vs. State Commission (2025, CPJ 456)

    – Stocks sold as goods under Section 2(3), consumer entitled to remedies for misrepresentation.

Key Facts Summary for Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

  • Section: 2(3)

  • Title: Definition of Goods

  • Category: Rights, Product Liability

  • Applies To: Consumers, Traders, Manufacturers, Platforms

  • Stage: Pre-purchase, Purchase, Post-purchase, Complaint

  • Legal Effect: Defines scope of goods under the Act, imposes seller duties

  • Related Remedies: Refund, Replacement, Compensation, Penalties

Conclusion on Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

Section 2(3) is fundamental in defining what constitutes 'goods' under the Consumer Protection Act 2019. This clarity ensures that consumers receive protection for a broad range of products, including modern and traditional items. It establishes the legal basis for consumer rights related to quality, safety, and fair trade.

For businesses, understanding this section is essential to comply with obligations and avoid penalties. It supports effective dispute resolution by clearly identifying the products covered. Overall, Section 2(3) strengthens consumer confidence and promotes fairness in the marketplace.

FAQs on Consumer Protection Act Section 2(3)

What types of items are included as 'goods' under Section 2(3)?

Section 2(3) includes all movable property such as food, drink, stocks, shares, and crops agreed to be severed before sale. It excludes money and actionable claims.

Does this section apply to digital products?

While primarily covering movable goods, digital products linked to movable property may be covered. The Act also has provisions for services and digital goods elsewhere.

Who can file a complaint under this section?

Consumers who purchase or hire goods that are defective or misrepresented can file complaints under this section.

What remedies are available for defective goods?

Consumers may seek refund, replacement, or compensation for loss or injury caused by defective goods under this section.

Are sellers strictly liable for goods under this section?

Yes, sellers have mandatory obligations to provide safe and quality goods. Breach can lead to penalties and compensation claims.

Related Sections

IPC Section 287 addresses negligent conduct with respect to causing injury to persons or property, focusing on preventing harm through carelessness.

IPC Section 258 penalizes public servants who intentionally disobey the law to cause injury to any person.

Contract Act 1872 Section 32 covers the consequences of contracts contingent on impossible events, ensuring clarity on void agreements.

IPC Section 241 penalizes wrongful restraint of a public servant from performing official duties, ensuring lawful authority is respected.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 27 outlines the powers of Consumer Commissions to summon witnesses and require evidence in consumer dispute cases.

CrPC Section 99 details the procedure for issuing summons to witnesses to ensure their attendance in court.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 65A governs the admissibility of electronic records as evidence in Indian courts.

CrPC Section 319 empowers Magistrates to summon additional accused during trial if evidence suggests their involvement.

IPC Section 482 empowers High Courts to quash criminal proceedings to prevent abuse of process or injustice.

CrPC Section 206 mandates the issuance of summons to accused persons to ensure their appearance in court for trial.

IPC Section 253 penalizes public servants who intentionally cause injury to public property during official duties.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2 defines key terms essential for understanding consumer rights and protections under the Act.

Companies Act 2013 Section 143 details the powers and duties of auditors in India, ensuring audit quality and accountability.

CrPC Section 380 defines the offence of theft in a dwelling house, setting procedures and penalties for such crimes.

IT Act Section 60 provides protection for intermediaries from liability for third-party information under specified conditions.

IT Act Section 61 defines offences related to tampering with computer source documents and prescribes penalties.

Companies Act 2013 Section 56 governs the transfer and transmission of shares in Indian companies.

Companies Act 2013 Section 150 governs the appointment and qualifications of company secretaries in India.

CrPC Section 171 defines offences related to public servants disobeying lawful directions, ensuring accountability and lawful conduct.

CrPC Section 386 details the procedure for the execution of a sentence or order passed by a criminal court.

Companies Act 2013 Section 38 governs the issue of shares at a discount, ensuring compliance and protecting company interests.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 54 defines the admissibility of confessions made by accused persons, crucial for criminal trials and fair justice.

CPC Section 30 defines the power of the court to issue commissions for examination or investigation in civil suits.

Contract Act 1872 Section 88 covers contracts contingent on an event happening within a specified time, ensuring clarity in conditional agreements.

CrPC Section 469 defines the offence of forgery of valuable security, a critical provision to combat document fraud.

CrPC Section 466 details the procedure for issuing a warrant of arrest by a Magistrate when a person fails to appear in court.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 59 details the exclusion of oral evidence to contradict or vary written contracts, ensuring contract stability.

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