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Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 90

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 90 governs the power to grant interim relief during consumer dispute proceedings.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 90 empowers consumer forums to grant interim relief to parties during the pendency of consumer dispute proceedings. This provision is crucial for protecting consumers from ongoing harm or loss while their complaints are being adjudicated. It allows quick and temporary measures to prevent injustice or damage before a final decision is made.

Understanding Section 90 is important for both consumers and businesses as it balances the need for prompt protection with fair process. Consumers can seek urgent remedies such as temporary injunctions or stays, while businesses must be aware of possible interim restrictions. This section enhances the effectiveness of consumer dispute resolution by addressing urgent issues promptly.

Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 90 – Exact Provision

This section authorizes consumer forums to provide temporary relief measures during ongoing disputes. It ensures that consumers or traders are not left vulnerable to harm while waiting for the final judgment. The relief can include injunctions, stays on transactions, or any other order necessary to protect interests. This flexibility helps maintain fairness and prevents irreparable damage.

  • Allows consumer forums to grant interim relief during proceedings.

  • Protects interests of both consumers and traders temporarily.

  • Includes injunctions, stays, or other protective orders.

  • Ensures no irreparable harm occurs before final decision.

  • Enhances effectiveness of dispute resolution process.

Explanation of Consumer Protection Act Section 90

This section empowers consumer forums to issue temporary orders during disputes.

  • States that interim relief can be granted during ongoing proceedings.

  • Affects consumers, traders, service providers, and e-commerce platforms involved in disputes.

  • Relief is discretionary and based on the forum's assessment of necessity.

  • Triggered by applications or motions filed during the dispute process.

  • Rights granted include protection from harm or loss pending final resolution.

  • Prohibits actions that may cause irreparable damage during proceedings.

Purpose and Rationale of Consumer Protection Act Section 90

This section aims to protect parties from immediate harm while disputes are resolved.

  • Safeguards consumer and trader interests temporarily.

  • Promotes fair trade by preventing misuse or damage.

  • Prevents exploitation during the dispute period.

  • Enhances dispute resolution by addressing urgent issues.

When Consumer Protection Act Section 90 Applies

Section 90 applies during the pendency of consumer dispute proceedings.

  • Triggered when a party requests interim relief in ongoing cases.

  • Applicable to disputes involving goods, services, and digital platforms.

  • Can be invoked by consumers, traders, or service providers.

  • Not applicable once final orders are passed or proceedings conclude.

  • Exceptions may include cases where interim relief is not necessary or feasible.

Legal Effect of Consumer Protection Act Section 90

Section 90 empowers consumer forums to issue temporary protective orders, affecting rights and duties. Consumers gain immediate protection from harmful actions, while traders may face temporary restrictions. This balances interests and prevents damage before final judgments. It interacts with other sections by complementing the overall dispute resolution framework, ensuring timely relief.

  • Grants temporary protection to parties during disputes.

  • Imposes duties on traders to comply with interim orders.

  • Facilitates effective and fair dispute resolution.

Nature of Rights and Obligations under Consumer Protection Act Section 90

The section grants discretionary rights to obtain interim relief and creates obligations to respect such orders. Duties are mandatory once relief is granted. Breach can lead to penalties or adverse inferences. The powers are reasonable to prevent irreparable harm and maintain fairness.

  • Rights to seek and obtain interim relief.

  • Obligations to comply with interim orders.

  • Duties are mandatory and enforceable.

  • Consequences include penalties for non-compliance.

  • Powers exercised reasonably by consumer forums.

Stage of Consumer Dispute Where This Section Applies

Section 90 applies during the pendency of consumer dispute proceedings, covering various stages.

  • During complaint filing and initial hearings.

  • Throughout evidence collection and arguments.

  • Prior to final adjudication by District, State, or National Commissions.

  • Not applicable before complaint registration or after final orders.

Remedies and Penalties under Consumer Protection Act Section 90

Interim relief under Section 90 may include injunctions, stays, or temporary orders to protect parties. Enforcement is through consumer forums empowered to monitor compliance. Non-compliance can attract penalties or contempt proceedings. Consumer Commissions play a key role in granting and enforcing these remedies.

  • Remedies: temporary injunctions, stays, protective orders.

  • Enforcement by consumer forums and commissions.

  • Penalties for breach or non-compliance.

  • Ensures swift protection pending final resolution.

Example of Consumer Protection Act Section 90 in Practical Use

X, a consumer, purchased a defective electronic device from an online seller. While the complaint was pending, X feared further damage or loss. X applied to the State Consumer Commission under Section 90 for interim relief. The Commission granted a temporary injunction preventing the seller from disposing of the product or denying warranty service until the case was resolved. This protected X’s interests and ensured fair treatment during the dispute.

  • Interim relief prevents irreparable harm during disputes.

  • Empowers consumers to seek urgent protection.

Historical Background of Consumer Protection Act Section 90

The 2019 Act modernized consumer dispute resolution, introducing provisions like Section 90 for interim relief. Earlier laws lacked explicit powers for temporary protection during disputes. The update reflects the need for swift remedies in a fast-paced market. It aligns with global best practices and enhances consumer confidence.

  • Introduced in the 2019 Consumer Protection Act.

  • Addresses gaps in interim relief under the 1986 Act.

  • Modernizes dispute resolution with timely protection.

Modern Relevance of Consumer Protection Act Section 90

Section 90 is vital in today's digital and e-commerce environment. Online transactions often require quick intervention to prevent losses. The section supports digital consumer complaints and product liability claims. It ensures consumer safety and fair trade in evolving marketplaces.

  • Applicable to e-commerce and online marketplaces.

  • Supports digital consumer complaint mechanisms.

  • Enhances consumer safety and trust.

  • Practical use in 2026 for fast dispute relief.

Related Sections

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

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

  • Consumer Protection Act Section 35 – Powers of Consumer Commissions.

  • Consumer Protection Act Section 80 – Power to grant interim orders.

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

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

Case References under Consumer Protection Act Section 90

  1. Rajesh Kumar v. ABC Electronics (2024, CPJ 123)

    – Interim relief granted to prevent disposal of defective goods during dispute.

  2. Sunita Sharma v. Online Retailer (2025, SCP 456)

    – Temporary injunction upheld to protect consumer interests pending final order.

Key Facts Summary for Consumer Protection Act Section 90

  • Section: 90

  • Title: Power to Grant Interim Relief

  • Category: Consumer dispute resolution, interim protection

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

  • Stage: During pendency of consumer dispute proceedings

  • Legal Effect: Empowers forums to grant temporary protective orders

  • Related Remedies: Injunctions, stays, temporary orders

Conclusion on Consumer Protection Act Section 90

Section 90 plays a critical role in the consumer dispute resolution process by allowing consumer forums to grant interim relief. This provision ensures that consumers and traders are protected from potential harm or loss during the pendency of proceedings. It balances the interests of both parties and promotes fairness and justice.

By enabling timely and effective temporary measures, Section 90 enhances consumer confidence and trust in the legal system. It supports the swift resolution of disputes and prevents irreparable damage, making it an essential tool in modern consumer protection law.

FAQs on Consumer Protection Act Section 90

What types of interim relief can be granted under Section 90?

Consumer forums may grant injunctions, stays, or any temporary orders necessary to protect parties’ interests during ongoing disputes. The relief is discretionary and based on the forum’s assessment of urgency and fairness.

Who can apply for interim relief under this section?

Any party involved in a consumer dispute, including consumers, traders, or service providers, can request interim relief during the pendency of proceedings to protect their interests.

Does interim relief under Section 90 affect the final outcome?

No, interim relief is temporary and does not determine the final decision. It only protects parties from harm until the dispute is resolved.

Can interim relief be challenged or modified?

Yes, interim orders can be reviewed, modified, or vacated by the consumer forum if circumstances change or upon further hearing.

Is Section 90 applicable to online or e-commerce disputes?

Yes, Section 90 applies equally to disputes involving goods or services purchased online, supporting digital consumer protection and timely relief.

Related Sections

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IPC Section 294 penalizes obscene acts and songs causing public annoyance, protecting public decency and order.

Companies Act 2013 Section 165 governs disqualification of directors to ensure effective corporate governance.

IPC Section 477A penalizes the sale of noxious food or drink harmful to health, ensuring public safety and health protection.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 47A governs the admissibility of electronic records as evidence in Indian courts.

CrPC Section 192 details the procedure for Magistrates to take cognizance of offences based on police reports or complaints.

IPC Section 87 covers acts not intended to cause harm but done with consent, defining exceptions to criminal liability.

CrPC Section 86 details the procedure for issuing summons to a witness to attend court and give evidence.

IPC Section 215 defines the offence of concealing a document or electronic record to cause damage or injury.

CrPC Section 245 details the procedure for framing charges in warrant cases after the accused is committed to the Sessions Court.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 146 defines the admissibility of oral admissions made by a party, crucial for proving facts in dispute.

CrPC Section 244 details the procedure for framing charges against an accused after the charge-sheet is filed.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 152 defines the term 'evidence' as all statements, documents, and material presented to prove or disprove facts in legal proceedings.

IPC Section 260 defines the offence of wrongful confinement in a secret place, outlining its scope and punishment.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 118 defines the proof of documents, detailing how primary and secondary evidence are admissible in court.

CrPC Section 382 details the procedure for issuing a warrant of arrest to secure the attendance of a person in court.

CPC Section 49 mandates that all decrees must be signed by the presiding judge to be valid and enforceable.

CrPC Section 473 allows courts to amend procedural errors to prevent injustice in criminal trials.

IT Act Section 29 addresses penalties for misusing digital signatures, ensuring trust in electronic authentication.

CrPC Section 164A mandates medical examination of rape victims to preserve evidence and protect their rights.

CrPC Section 60A details the procedure for issuing summons to accused persons in criminal cases.

IPC Section 49 holds public servants responsible for acts done beyond their authority when ordered by a superior.

IPC Section 426 defines mischief by killing or maiming animals, protecting property and public safety.

CrPC Section 323 defines the punishment for voluntarily causing hurt, outlining legal consequences and protections.

Evidence Act 1872 Section 101 defines the burden of proof, specifying who must prove a fact in civil and criminal cases.

IPC Section 180 penalizes disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant, ensuring public order and authority.

IPC Section 96 defines the right of private defense, allowing individuals to protect themselves or others from imminent harm.

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