New Delhi, December 21: The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday during the winter session of the parliament. The bill mandates harsh penalty and even jail term for manufacturing and selling adulterated food items. The bill first was introduced in the lower house in January. It also allows buyers to seek compensation for defective items or deficiency in services. The penalty and jail term will be given depending on the impact of adulterated products on health. Meanwhile, there is also a proposal of giving seven years to life imprisonment, and at least Rs 10 lakh fine in case consumer dies due to contaminated products.
The bill also proposed to impose fines on celebrities for endorsing false or misleading advertisements and also jail term for manufacturers for committing such crime. According to the bill, consumers can file complaints with the consumer commissions even at the place of residence or work and not from the place where they purchased a product or availed service. Surrogacy Bill Passed in Lok Sabha During Winter Session of Parliament; Commercial Surrogacy to be Banned.
The bill will now go in the Rajya Sabha for discussion. Once passed, the bill will replace the Consumer Protection Bill, 1986. It also proposes setting up of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) which will have the power to take suo motu cognisance of offence on the complaint of consumers. Under the proposed law, if a food item impacts a large number of people, they can file "class action" complaints before the consumer disputes redressal. Milk Adulteration Busted by FDA in Mumbai; Here's How to Check If Milk is Pure Or Not.
The bill which aims to protect consumers' interests through a redressal mechanism would ensure timely and effective settlement of disputes. As per the bill, if the offence is repeated, it could lead to a fine of Rs 50 lakh and a three-year ban.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2018 09:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).