CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW AND POLICY

The primary objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive yet accessible understanding of consumer protection law in India. It seeks to explain the legal framework governing consumer rights, the remedies available against unfair trade practices and deficient services, and the role of consumer dispute redressal agencies in ensuring justice. The book also examines contemporary developments, including ecommerce transactions, product liability, misleading advertisements, digital consumer rights, and emerging challenges in the modern marketplace.

This work has been prepared with the needs of students, teachers, researchers, legal practitioners, and general readers in mind. Efforts have been made to present complex legal concepts in a simple, systematic, and reader friendly manner. Relevant statutory provisions, judicial pronouncements, illustrations, and case studies have been incorporated to facilitate a better understanding of the subject.

The book is organized in a logical sequence, beginning with the concept and evolution of consumer protection, followed by an analysis of consumer rights, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumer dispute redressal mechanisms, product liability, unfair trade practices, and issues arising in the digital economy. The aim is to equip readers with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into consumer law and policy.

Consumer protection is not merely a legal concern; it is a social and economic necessity. An informed consumer is the cornerstone of a fair, transparent, and accountable marketplace. Through this book, I hope to contribute, in a modest way, to the promotion of consumer awareness and the strengthening of consumer rights in India.

I am deeply grateful to Shri Ajay Kaul, General Secretary, Children Welfare Centre’s College of Law, for his constant encouragement and support for academic initiatives. I express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Anant N. Kalse, I/C Principal, Children Welfare Centre’s College of Law, for his valuable guidance, motivation, and unwavering support. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Shri Suraj Wadhwa, Management Nominee, Children Welfare Centre’s College of Law, for his encouragement and support.

I further acknowledge with gratitude the support of the respected Trustees and Management of the institution. My sincere thanks are also due to the editors whose careful review, valuable suggestions, and meticulous efforts have significantly enhanced the quality of this work. I am grateful to my colleagues, students, friends, and family members for their encouragement and cooperation throughout the preparation of this book.

I sincerely hope that this book will serve as a useful resource for all those interested in understanding consumer rights and consumer protection law. Suggestions for improvement will always be welcomed and appreciated.

Dr. Varsha Sharma

Assistant Professor

Children Welfare Centre’s College of Law

June 2026