Consumers will be able to register their complaints online and any delay in complying with the orders of consumer courts could invite a fine of Rs. 500 or 1.5 per cent of the amount of penalty.
These amendments, introduced to the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011, will facilitate quicker disposal of cases and amplify the scope of some of the provisions of the Act. The Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha in the just-concluded session, has been referred to the Standing Committee.
As per the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, dispute redress agencies have been set up in 629 districts and at the State and national levels (35) to render simple, inexpensive and speedy justice. The proposed changes include making a provision that an order of the District Forum/State Commission/National Commission will be enforced as a civil court decree.
