top of page

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(41)

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(41) defines 'product liability' and its scope under the Act.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 2(41) defines the term 'product liability' to establish the responsibility of manufacturers, service providers, and sellers for any harm caused by defective products. This section is crucial as it sets the foundation for holding parties accountable for consumer safety and compensation claims.

Understanding product liability helps consumers protect their rights and encourages businesses to maintain high safety standards. It also aids in dispute resolution by clarifying who is liable when a defective product causes injury or damage.

Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41) – Exact Provision

This section clearly defines product liability, emphasizing the duty of all parties involved in the product chain to ensure safety. It establishes that liability is not limited to manufacturers but extends to service providers and sellers, promoting consumer protection.

  • Defines product liability under the Act.

  • Includes manufacturers, service providers, and sellers.

  • Focuses on compensation for harm caused by defective products.

  • Establishes accountability across the product supply chain.

Explanation of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

This section states who is responsible for product defects and resulting harm.

  • Defines product liability as responsibility for harm from defective products.

  • Affects manufacturers, service providers, and sellers.

  • Applies when a defective product causes injury or damage.

  • Grants consumers the right to claim compensation.

  • Prohibits denial of liability by any party in the supply chain.

Purpose and Rationale of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

The section aims to protect consumers by clearly assigning liability for defective products. It promotes fair trade by ensuring accountability and preventing exploitation through unsafe goods.

  • Protects consumer interests against harmful products.

  • Promotes responsibility among manufacturers and sellers.

  • Prevents exploitation through defective goods.

  • Enhances dispute resolution by clarifying liability.

When Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41) Applies

This section applies when a consumer suffers harm due to a defective product. It can be invoked by consumers or their representatives in cases involving goods and services.

  • Triggered by harm caused by defective products.

  • Can be invoked by consumers or legal heirs.

  • Applies to goods, services, and digital products.

  • Excludes defects caused by consumer misuse.

Legal Effect of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

This section establishes legal responsibility for harm caused by defective products. It imposes duties on manufacturers, service providers, and sellers to ensure product safety. It strengthens consumer rights and facilitates claims for compensation.

It interacts with other sections dealing with unfair trade practices and dispute resolution, providing a comprehensive framework for consumer protection.

  • Defines liability for defective products.

  • Imposes safety duties on product stakeholders.

  • Supports consumer compensation claims.

Nature of Rights and Obligations under Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

Consumers gain the right to claim compensation for harm from defective products. Manufacturers, service providers, and sellers have a strict obligation to ensure product safety. Breach of this duty can lead to penalties and compensation orders.

  • Rights to compensation for consumers.

  • Strict liability on manufacturers and sellers.

  • Mandatory safety standards enforcement.

  • Penalties for breach of obligations.

Stage of Consumer Dispute Where This Section Applies

This section is relevant post-purchase when a product defect causes harm. It applies during complaint filing and proceedings before consumer commissions.

  • Post-purchase defect discovery.

  • Consumer grievance and complaint filing.

  • District, State, or National Commission hearings.

  • Enforcement of compensation orders.

Remedies and Penalties under Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

Consumers can seek remedies such as compensation, replacement, or refund for defective products. The Act empowers Consumer Commissions to enforce these remedies and impose penalties on liable parties.

  • Compensation for injury or damage.

  • Replacement or refund of defective products.

  • Penalties on manufacturers or sellers.

  • Enforcement by Consumer Commissions.

Example of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41) in Practical Use

X purchased a smartphone that caught fire due to a battery defect. X filed a complaint under product liability provisions. The manufacturer and seller were held liable and ordered to compensate X for damages and replace the product. This case illustrates how the section protects consumers from harm caused by defective goods.

  • Consumers can hold all parties liable for defects.

  • Ensures compensation and product safety enforcement.

Historical Background of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

The 1986 Act did not explicitly define product liability, limiting consumer protection. The 2019 Act modernized the law by introducing this definition to address evolving market challenges and enhance consumer safety.

  • Introduced product liability definition in 2019 Act.

  • Expanded liability beyond manufacturers.

  • Strengthened consumer rights and remedies.

Modern Relevance of Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

With the rise of e-commerce and complex supply chains, product liability is crucial. It ensures accountability for defective digital and physical products, protecting consumers in modern marketplaces.

  • Applies to online and offline sales.

  • Supports consumer safety in digital markets.

  • Essential for 2026 consumer protection framework.

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(41)

No landmark case directly interprets this section as of 2026.

Key Facts Summary for Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

  • Section: 2(41)

  • Title: Product Liability Definition

  • Category: Product liability, consumer rights

  • Applies To: Consumers, manufacturers, service providers, sellers

  • Stage: Post-purchase, complaint, dispute resolution

  • Legal Effect: Establishes liability for defective products

  • Related Remedies: Compensation, replacement, penalties

Conclusion on Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

Section 2(41) is a cornerstone of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, defining product liability and ensuring accountability for defective products. It empowers consumers to seek redress and compels manufacturers, service providers, and sellers to uphold safety standards.

This provision strengthens consumer confidence and promotes fair trade by clarifying responsibilities. Understanding this section is essential for consumers and businesses to navigate rights and obligations effectively in today's marketplace.

FAQs on Consumer Protection Act Section 2(41)

What does product liability mean under Section 2(41)?

Product liability means the responsibility of manufacturers, service providers, or sellers to compensate consumers for harm caused by defective products.

Who can be held liable under this section?

Manufacturers, product service providers, and sellers can all be held liable for harm caused by defective products under this section.

When does product liability apply?

It applies when a consumer suffers harm or damage due to a defective product purchased or used by them.

What remedies are available to consumers?

Consumers can seek compensation, replacement, or refund for defective products causing harm under this section.

Does this section cover online purchases?

Yes, product liability applies to goods and services purchased through e-commerce and digital platforms as well.

Related Sections

IT Act Section 4 defines electronic records and their legal recognition in digital transactions.

Companies Act 2013 Section 177 mandates the constitution and duties of the Audit Committee in Indian companies.

CrPC Section 387 details the procedure for issuing a warrant of attachment and sale of property to recover fines or costs.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 35 defines the relevancy of facts that explain or introduce relevant facts, crucial for establishing context in legal proceedings.

Contract Act 1872 Section 21 defines the legal consequences of a contract induced by coercion, making it voidable at the option of the aggrieved party.

CrPC Section 33 defines the territorial jurisdiction of courts in criminal cases, ensuring proper trial location.

IPC Section 84 provides legal protection for acts committed by persons of unsound mind, exempting them from criminal liability.

CrPC Section 177 mandates police officers to report cognizable offences to magistrates, ensuring proper legal action begins promptly.

CrPC Section 263 empowers higher courts to revise orders to ensure justice and correct errors in criminal proceedings.

CrPC Section 242 empowers Magistrates to discharge accused if evidence is insufficient to proceed with trial.

IPC Section 214 addresses the offence of causing disappearance of evidence to screen offenders, ensuring justice by preserving crucial proof.

Companies Act 2013 Section 162 governs the resignation of directors and related procedures under Indian corporate law.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 39 outlines the procedure for filing complaints before Consumer Commissions, ensuring accessible dispute resolution.

IPC Section 211 defines the offence of false charge of offence made with intent to injure, protecting individuals from malicious accusations.

CPC Section 108 outlines the procedure for execution of decrees by attachment and sale of property.

CrPC Section 399 defines the offence of cheating by personation and its legal consequences under Indian law.

IPC Section 290 penalizes public nuisance causing minor harm or annoyance, ensuring public order and safety.

IPC Section 309 criminalizes attempted suicide, outlining its scope and legal consequences in India.

CrPC Section 85 defines the power of a police officer to seize property connected to an offence to aid investigation and prevent misuse.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 56 defines the admissibility of expert opinion when facts are beyond common knowledge.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 61 defines the competency of witnesses, outlining who may testify in court and its significance in legal proceedings.

CrPC Section 106 mandates a person to provide security for keeping peace or maintaining good behavior when required by a Magistrate.

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

IPC Section 504 addresses intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, penalizing acts that disrupt public harmony.

Companies Act 2013 Section 171 mandates directors to disclose their interest in contracts or arrangements with the company.

CrPC Section 41A mandates police to issue a notice before arresting a person in certain cases, ensuring fair procedure and protecting individual liberty.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 149 defines when acts of one member of a criminal group are evidence against all members involved.

bottom of page