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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Consumer protection in India: A Comprehensive analysis of Legislative evolution from the 1986 Act to the 2019 reform
Authors
Sahil Gupta, Dr. Poonam Lamba, Dr. Sujata Dahiya, Lokesh Kamra
Abstract
Consumer protection legislation in India has undergone a transformative
evolution from the landmark Consumer Protection Act of 1986 to the
comprehensive Consumer Protection Act of 2019. This research paper provides a
systematic analysis of this three-decade legislative journey, examining the
socio-economic context that necessitated consumer protection reforms, the
foundational framework established by the 1986 Act, emerging challenges in the
digital economy, and the comprehensive reforms introduced through the 2019
legislation. Drawing from secondary data, including legislative texts, judicial
pronouncements, governmental reports, and academic scholarship, this study
reveals that while the 1986 Act revolutionised consumer rights through its
three-tier quasi-judicial redressal mechanism and recognition of six
fundamental consumer rights, rapid technological advancement, e-commerce
proliferation, and sophisticated unfair trade practices exposed critical gaps
requiring legislative modernisation. The 2019 Act addresses these deficiencies
through establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) with
proactive enforcement powers, revised pecuniary jurisdiction extending district
commission authority to ₹1 crore, explicit e-commerce regulations mandating
transparency and grievance redressal within 30 days, product liability
provisions enabling compensation for defective goods, expanded definitions
encompassing digital transactions and telemarketing, mediation as alternative
dispute resolution, and stringent penalties including imprisonment up to seven
years for serious violations. Analysis of landmark cases, including Indian
Medical Association v. V.P. Shantha (extending consumer protection to
medical services) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation v. Ashok
Iron Works (defining electricity supply as a service), demonstrates
judicial dynamism in interpreting consumer rights expansively. Statistical
examination reveals that consumer forums disposed of 1,82,248 cases in
2022—exceeding the number of filed cases for the first time—yet 5.4 lakh
pending cases indicate systemic constraints. This study concludes that the 2019
Act represents a paradigmatic shift from reactive grievance redressal to
proactive consumer protection, yet effective implementation requires enhanced
consumer awareness, judicial capacity building, technological infrastructure
development, and continuous adaptation to evolving marketplace dynamics.
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Pages:44-52
How to cite this article:
Sahil Gupta, Dr. Poonam Lamba, Dr. Sujata Dahiya, Lokesh Kamra "Consumer protection in India: A Comprehensive analysis of Legislative evolution from the 1986 Act to the 2019 reform". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 44-52
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