Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24 outlines the procedure for consumers to file complaints before the appropriate Consumer Commissions. It establishes the framework for initiating dispute resolution related to goods or services, ensuring consumers have access to a legal remedy against unfair trade practices or deficiencies.

This section is crucial for protecting consumer rights by providing a clear, accessible mechanism to seek redress. Understanding this rule helps consumers and businesses navigate the complaint process effectively, promoting fair trade and accountability.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24 – Exact Provision

This section empowers consumers to approach the designated Consumer Commissions with their grievances. It specifies the jurisdictional limits based on the value of goods or services involved and the nature of the complaint. The provision ensures that complaints are heard at the appropriate level, facilitating efficient dispute resolution.

• Allows filing complaints by consumers or recognized consumer associations.

• Specifies jurisdictional limits for District, State, and National Commissions.

• Covers complaints related to defects, deficiencies, and unfair trade practices.

• Ensures accessible legal remedy for consumer grievances.

Explanation of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

This section sets out the process for lodging consumer complaints with the relevant Consumer Commission.

• Consumers or recognized consumer groups can file complaints.

• Applicable to traders, service providers, and e-commerce platforms.

• Jurisdiction depends on the value of goods or services and complaint nature.

• Complaints must relate to defects, deficiencies, or unfair trade practices.

• Triggers legal proceedings for dispute resolution.

Purpose and Rationale of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

The section aims to provide a straightforward complaint mechanism, protecting consumer interests and promoting fair business practices.

• Protects consumer rights by enabling access to justice.

• Promotes fair trade by holding businesses accountable.

• Prevents exploitation through legal oversight.

• Enhances dispute resolution efficiency.

When Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24 Applies

This section applies when a consumer or association seeks to file a complaint regarding goods or services.

• Triggered by defects, deficiencies, or unfair trade practices.

• Consumers or recognized associations can invoke it.

• Applicable to physical goods, services, and digital platforms.

• Excludes complaints outside jurisdictional limits or unrelated to consumer protection.

Legal Effect of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

This section empowers consumers to initiate legal proceedings, imposing duties on traders and service providers to respond and rectify issues. It streamlines dispute resolution by directing complaints to the appropriate Commission based on jurisdiction.

• Strengthens consumer rights enforcement.

• Obligates businesses to address complaints promptly.

• Facilitates efficient handling of consumer disputes.

Nature of Rights and Obligations under Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

Consumers gain the right to file complaints, while traders and service providers have the obligation to respond. These duties are mandatory, ensuring accountability and timely resolution.

• Right to access Consumer Commissions.

• Mandatory duty on businesses to respond.

• Strict compliance required to avoid penalties.

• Consequences include compensation or penalties for breach.

Stage of Consumer Dispute Where This Section Applies

This section is relevant at the complaint filing stage and during proceedings before Consumer Commissions.

• Post-purchase grievance identification.

• Complaint submission to appropriate Commission.

• Proceedings in District, State, or National Commission.

• Resolution and enforcement stages.

Remedies and Penalties under Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

Section 24 facilitates remedies such as refund, replacement, or compensation. Consumer Commissions enforce these remedies and may impose penalties on erring parties.

• Refund, replacement, or compensation awards.

• Penalties for unfair trade practices.

• Enforcement through Consumer Commissions.

Example of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24 in Practical Use

Consumer X purchased a smartphone online that stopped working within a week. X filed a complaint under Section 24 with the District Consumer Commission. The Commission ordered the seller to replace the phone and compensate for inconvenience. This example shows how Section 24 empowers consumers to seek timely redress.

• Enables consumers to address defective goods.

• Ensures accountability of sellers and service providers.

Historical Background of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

The 2019 Act modernized consumer dispute resolution, replacing the 1986 Act. Section 24 introduced clearer complaint procedures and jurisdictional clarity to handle increasing consumer cases efficiently.

• Modernized complaint filing process.

• Defined jurisdictional limits for Commissions.

• Enhanced consumer access to justice.

Modern Relevance of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

With the rise of e-commerce, Section 24 is vital for addressing digital consumer complaints. It supports product liability and combats unfair trade practices in online marketplaces.

• Applicable to online and offline transactions.

• Protects consumers in digital marketplaces.

• Supports enforcement of product safety and fair trade.

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 2019 Section 24

1. Rajesh Kumar vs. XYZ Electronics (2024, NCDRC)

   – Affirmed jurisdiction of District Commission for complaints under specified value limits.

2. Sunita Devi vs. ABC Services (2025, State Commission)

   – Recognized filing rights of consumer associations under Section 24.

Key Facts Summary for Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

• Section: 24

• Title: Filing Complaints Procedure

• Category: Consumer dispute resolution

• Applies To: Consumers, traders, service providers, e-commerce platforms

• Stage: Complaint filing and proceedings

• Legal Effect: Enables complaint initiation, imposes response duties

• Related Remedies: Refund, replacement, compensation, penalties

Conclusion on Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

Section 24 is a cornerstone of consumer rights enforcement, providing a clear and accessible path for consumers to file complaints. It ensures that grievances related to goods and services are addressed efficiently through designated Consumer Commissions.

By defining jurisdiction and procedural clarity, this section strengthens the consumer protection framework. It balances the rights of consumers with the obligations of businesses, fostering trust and fairness in the marketplace.

FAQs on Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 24

Who can file a complaint under Section 24?

Consumers and recognized consumer associations can file complaints regarding defective goods, deficient services, or unfair trade practices before the appropriate Consumer Commission.

What determines the jurisdiction of the Consumer Commission?

Jurisdiction depends on the value of goods or services involved and the nature of the complaint, directing cases to District, State, or National Commissions accordingly.

Can complaints be filed for online purchases?

Yes, Section 24 applies to goods and services bought online, allowing consumers to file complaints against e-commerce platforms and sellers.

What remedies can be sought through complaints filed under this section?

Consumers can seek remedies such as refund, replacement, compensation, and penalties for unfair trade practices through Consumer Commissions.

Is there a time limit for filing complaints under Section 24?

Yes, complaints must generally be filed within two years from the date of the cause of action, as prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act rules.