Question

Differentiate between Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Consumer Protection Act, 1986	Consumer Protection Act, 2019
1. Regulator	No dedicated regulator for unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements; Consumer Protection Councils were only advisory bodies.	Establishes the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to enforce consumer rights, investigate violations, recall unsafe goods and penalise misleading advertisements.
2. Complaint Forum	Complaint could be filed mainly where the seller’s or opposite party’s office is located; physical filing was the usual process.	Complaint may be filed at the place of the complainant’s residence; e-filing, video-conferencing and review powers for commissions are allowed.
3. Pecuniary Jurisdiction	Based on the value of goods or services paid as consideration and compensation claimed: District Forum up to ₹20 lakh; State Commission ₹20 lakh–₹1 crore; National Commission above ₹1 crore.	Based on the value of goods or services paid as consideration: District Commission up to ₹1 crore; State Commission ₹1–₹10 crore; National Commission above ₹10 crore.
4. Product Liability	No express product-liability remedy before consumer forums; consumers had to approach civil courts for harm caused by defective products.	Consumer commissions can hear product-liability claims for design defects, manufacturing defects, deviation from specifications, inadequate instructions and deficient services.
5. E-Commerce/Direct Selling	No specific legal provisions for online transactions, e-commerce platforms or direct selling.	Applies to e-commerce and direct selling; mandates transparency on returns, refunds, warranty, grievance redressal, payment methods and country of origin.
6. Alternative Dispute Resolution	No statutory mediation mechanism within the consumer redressal machinery.	Disputes may be referred to Mediation Cells for early settlement; a mediated settlement is speedy and cannot be appealed.