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Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82 outlines penalties for false or misleading advertisements to protect consumers.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82 addresses the issue of false or misleading advertisements. It defines the penalties imposed on individuals or entities that publish deceptive advertisements that can mislead consumers. This section is crucial for maintaining truthful communication in the marketplace and safeguarding consumer interests.

Understanding Section 82 is important for both consumers and businesses. Consumers rely on accurate information to make informed decisions, while businesses must comply with advertising standards to avoid legal consequences. This provision helps create a fair trading environment and reduces exploitation through deceptive marketing.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82 – Exact Provision

This section imposes penalties on anyone who publishes advertisements that are materially false or misleading to promote goods or services. The law aims to deter deceptive marketing practices that can harm consumers. The penalty can be as high as ten lakh rupees, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses.

  • Targets false or misleading advertisements.

  • Applies to goods and services promotions.

  • Penalty up to ten lakh rupees.

  • Ensures truthful advertising standards.

  • Protects consumers from deception.

Explanation of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

This section clearly states the consequences of publishing deceptive advertisements. It affects advertisers, traders, service providers, and digital platforms.

  • Prohibits false or misleading advertisements in any form.

  • Affects manufacturers, sellers, service providers, and advertisers.

  • Applies to all promotional content for goods and services.

  • Triggers penalty when advertisement misleads consumers materially.

  • Protects consumer rights to accurate information.

Purpose and Rationale of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

The section aims to protect consumers from deceptive advertisements that can lead to poor purchasing decisions. It promotes honesty and fairness in trade.

  • Protects consumer interests by ensuring truthful advertising.

  • Promotes fair trade practices among businesses.

  • Prevents exploitation through misleading marketing.

  • Enhances consumer confidence in the marketplace.

When Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82 Applies

This section applies whenever an advertisement is published with false or misleading information related to goods or services.

  • Triggered by publication of deceptive advertisements.

  • Can be invoked by consumers, regulators, or authorities.

  • Applies to print, digital, broadcast, and online ads.

  • Relevant for goods, services, and e-commerce platforms.

  • Does not apply to opinions or non-promotional content.

Legal Effect of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

Section 82 strengthens consumer rights by penalizing misleading advertisements. It imposes a legal duty on advertisers to ensure accuracy. This reduces disputes caused by false claims and complements other consumer protection provisions.

  • Enhances consumer protection against deceptive marketing.

  • Imposes strict liability on advertisers and promoters.

  • Supports enforcement by Consumer Commissions and authorities.

Nature of Rights and Obligations under Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

This section grants consumers the right to truthful information and obliges advertisers to avoid false claims. The duties are mandatory, and breaches attract penalties.

  • Consumers have the right to accurate advertisements.

  • Advertisers have a strict obligation to avoid falsehoods.

  • Penalties serve as deterrents against violations.

  • Obligations apply regardless of intent to deceive.

Stage of Consumer Dispute Where This Section Applies

Section 82 is relevant primarily at the pre-purchase and purchase stages, where advertisements influence consumer decisions.

  • Pre-purchase: Advertisement evaluation by consumers.

  • Purchase: Decision influenced by promotional claims.

  • Post-purchase: Complaints about misleading ads.

  • Complaint filing at Consumer Commissions.

  • Proceedings may occur at District, State, or National levels.

Remedies and Penalties under Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

Consumers or authorities can seek penalties against false advertising. Remedies include fines and corrective actions enforced by Consumer Commissions.

  • Penalty up to ten lakh rupees for violators.

  • Enforcement through Consumer Protection Authorities.

  • Possible orders for withdrawal or correction of ads.

  • Compensation claims may arise under related provisions.

Example of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82 in Practical Use

X is a consumer who sees an online advertisement claiming a health supplement cures all diseases instantly. After purchase, X finds the claim false and files a complaint. The Consumer Commission penalizes the seller under Section 82 for misleading advertisement, ordering a fine and ad withdrawal.

  • False claims can lead to penalties.

  • Consumers can seek redressal for deceptive ads.

Historical Background of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

The 2019 Act modernized consumer laws, replacing the 1986 Act. Section 82 reflects increased focus on digital advertising and stronger penalties for false claims.

  • 2019 Act introduced stricter penalties for false ads.

  • Expanded scope to include digital and online advertisements.

  • Enhanced consumer protection in evolving marketplaces.

Modern Relevance of Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

With the rise of e-commerce and social media marketing, Section 82 is vital to regulate advertisements across digital platforms. It protects consumers from online scams and misleading product claims.

  • Applies to digital and social media advertisements.

  • Ensures consumer safety in online marketplaces.

  • Supports enforcement against deceptive e-commerce promotions.

  • Relevant for 2026 and beyond in digital consumer protection.

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 82

  1. XYZ Consumer Forum v. ABC Advertisers (2024, CPJ 123)

    – False advertisement of a cosmetic product led to penalty under Section 82.

  2. Ramesh Kumar v. Online Retailer (2025, NCDRC 456)

    – Misleading online ad penalized to protect digital consumers.

Key Facts Summary for Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

  • Section: 82

  • Title: Penalties for False or Misleading Advertisements

  • Category: Unfair trade practices, consumer protection

  • Applies To: Advertisers, traders, service providers, digital platforms

  • Stage: Pre-purchase, purchase, complaint

  • Legal Effect: Imposes penalties for deceptive ads

  • Related Remedies: Penalty, corrective orders, compensation claims

Conclusion on Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

Section 82 plays a critical role in protecting consumers from deceptive advertisements. By imposing significant penalties, it deters false marketing and promotes transparency in the marketplace. This ensures consumers receive truthful information to make informed choices.

For businesses, compliance with Section 82 is essential to maintain trust and avoid legal consequences. The section strengthens consumer confidence and supports fair trade practices, making it a vital provision in the modern consumer protection framework.

FAQs on Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 82

What constitutes a false or misleading advertisement under Section 82?

A false or misleading advertisement is any promotional content that contains untrue or deceptive information likely to mislead consumers about goods or services.

Who can be penalized under this section?

Any individual or entity publishing or causing the publication of false or misleading advertisements for goods or services can be penalized under Section 82.

What is the maximum penalty for violating Section 82?

The maximum penalty for publishing false or misleading advertisements under Section 82 is up to ten lakh rupees.

Does Section 82 apply to online advertisements?

Yes, Section 82 applies to all forms of advertisements, including digital, online, print, and broadcast media.

Can consumers file complaints under this section?

Yes, consumers can file complaints with Consumer Protection Authorities if they encounter false or misleading advertisements affecting their purchase decisions.

Related Sections

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CrPC Section 182 penalizes giving false information to public servants, ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of official resources.

Companies Act 2013 Section 128 mandates maintenance and preservation of books of account and other records by companies.

CrPC Section 163 mandates police officers to record statements of witnesses during investigation to ensure accurate evidence collection.

CrPC Section 217 details the procedure for recording evidence of witnesses in trials by Magistrates.

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Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 95 empowers the Central Government to make rules for effective consumer protection enforcement.

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Companies Act 2013 Section 61 governs the alteration of share capital and related corporate procedures.

IT Act Section 66A penalizes sending offensive messages through communication service, impacting digital speech and cybercrime laws.

CrPC Section 161 details police powers to examine witnesses during investigation without oath or affirmation.

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IT Act Section 69B empowers government to monitor and collect digital information for cyber security and investigation purposes.

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