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Daily News Analysis

CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY

17th May, 2023 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

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Context: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an order against five e-commerce platforms for selling seat belt alarm stopper clips.

Details

  • Seat belt alarm stopper clips are devices that can be inserted into the seat belt buckle to stop the alarm from sounding when the seat belt is not fastened.
    • These devices are illegal in India, as they violate the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, which mandates the use of seat belts for drivers and front-seat passengers.
  • The CCPA has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and issued show cause notices to the e-commerce platforms, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them for engaging in unfair trade practices and endangering the lives of consumers.
  • The CCPA has also directed the e-commerce platforms to immediately withdraw the sale of such products from their websites and to furnish information on the sellers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of these products within 15 days.
  • The CCPA has stated that selling seat belt alarm stopper clips is a serious violation of consumer rights and safety norms and that it will take stringent action against the e-commerce platforms if they fail to comply with its order.

Must Read Articles:

Central Consumer Protection Authority: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/central-consumer-protection-authority

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements is correct about the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

 1. It is a statutory body that can initiate class action suits against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements.

2. It is headed by a Chief Commissioner who is appointed by the President of India for a term of five years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

3. It has the power to impose penalties on manufacturers, endorsers and publishers of misleading advertisements, ranging from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 50 lakh and imprisonment up to five years.

4. It can order a recall of unsafe goods and services, discontinuation of unfair trade practices and reimbursement of the price paid by the consumers.

Choose the code;

A) 1, 2 and 3 only

B) 2, 3 and 4 only

C) 1, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Explanation: Statement 2 is Incorrect

The CCPA is headed by a Chief Commissioner who is appointed by the Central Government for a term of three years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The President of India has no role in the appointment of the Chief Commissioner or any other member of the CCPA.

https://www.livemint.com/news/centre-issues-order-against-amazon-flipkart-and-others-for-selling-seat-belt-alarm-stopper-clips-directs-to-delist-the-11684058736014.html