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Context - The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to Ola and Uber for unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights.

Details

• The main issues raised in the notices include: -
  • Lack of proper response from customer support.
  • The driver refused to take payment by online mode and insisted on cash only.
  • The higher amount was charged despite going on the same route previously at a lesser charge.
  • Unprofessional driver behaviour.
  • Inadequate consumer grievance Redressal mechanism in absence of both customer care number and details of grievance officer.
  • Unreasonable levy of cancellation charge.
  • Undue cancellation charges are borne by users when they are forced to cancel the ride due to the unwillingness of the driver to accept the ride.
  • Charge different fares for the same route from two individuals.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• The Act defined a consumer as a person who buys any goods or avails of service for final use.
  • It does not include a person who buys a good for resale or a good or service for commercial purposes.
• It covers transactions through all modes including offline, and online.
• The Act clearly defined 6 Rights of consumers:
  • Right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
  • Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services.
  • Right to Choice among a variety of goods or services at competitive prices.
  • Right to be heard
  • Right to seek Redressal against unfair or restrictive trade practices.
  • Right to Consumer Awareness
• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
  • It functions under the guidelines of The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
  • It regulates matters linked to the violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.
  • The CCPA has an investigation wing; they may conduct an inquiry or investigation into the case of violations of rules.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) functions;
  • Inquiring into violations of consumer rights, investigating and taking appropriate action.
  • It could pass orders to recall goods or withdraw hazardous services, and refund the price paid.
  • It Issues directions to the concerned trader/ manufacturer/ endorser/ advertiser/ publisher to either discontinue a false or misleading advertisement.
  • It imposes penalties on a manufacturer or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for up to two years for a false or misleading advertisement. In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.
  • It Issues safety notices to consumers against unsafe goods and services.
• Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (CDRCs) at the District, State, and national levels.
  • Appeals from the State CDRC will be heard by the National CDRC.
  • The final appeal to the Supreme Court.
  • The District CDRC will entertain complaints where the value of goods and services does not exceed Rs 1 crore.
  • The State CDRC will entertain complaints when the value is more than Rs 1 crore but does not exceed Rs 10 crore.
  • Complaints with a value of goods and services over Rs 10 crore will be entertained by the National CDRC.

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1826940

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