Supreme Court eases norm for selection of consumer court presidents, members

• The Supreme Court recently used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to attract younger talent to preside over consumer courts by-
• Reducing the mandatory professional experience to 10 years(from presently 20 years for President and 15 years for member)
• Introducing written exams and viva voce to check candidates’ performance.

About the Act

• Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 2019 was enacted with an objective to provide better protection of the interests of the Consumers, especially in the digital era.
• It replaced Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Key Feature of CPA, 2019

• Promulgates a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism for redressal of consumer disputes.
  1. District Commissions – composed of a President, who is or has been or is qualified to be a District Judge and not less than two members. Pecuniary jurisdiction upto Rs 50 lakh.
  2. State commissions – composed of a President, who is or has been a Judge of a High Court and at least four other members. Pecuniary jurisdiction from Rs 50 lakh- Rs 2 crore.
  3. National Commission – composed of a President who is or has been a Judge of SC and not less than four other members. Pecuniary jurisdiction of above Rs 2 crore.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority to protect rights of consumers.
• Penalties for misleading advertisement.