| Definition |
Manufacturer / seller की जिम्मेदारी कि product safe, standard और defect-free हो |
अपराध / धोखाधड़ी करने पर राज्य द्वारा दंड |
उपभोक्ता को नुकसान या fraud के लिए मुआवज़ा देना |
| Legal Basis |
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Section 2(34), 83–87 |
IPC Sections 415, 420, 463, 468, 489 / BNS |
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Sections 2(10), 2(28), 2(34), 84–87 |
| Nature |
Civil liability / strict liability |
Criminal liability |
Civil remedy / compensation |
| Intent Required (Mens Rea) |
No – Liability बनती है चाहे intention हो या नहीं |
Yes – धोखाधड़ी / cheating / intentional misrepresentation |
No – सिर्फ नुकसान होना जरूरी |
| Who is Liable? |
Manufacturer, Seller, Service Provider |
Fraudster / Seller / Manufacturer / Distributor |
Seller / Manufacturer / Online Platform |
| Examples |
Defective electronic, expired medicine, mislabeled food |
Fake product sold knowingly, counterfeit, adulterated product |
Refund, replacement, compensation for damage / loss |
| Penalty / Outcome |
Replacement / Repair / Refund / Product recall |
Jail (up to 7 years) + Fine |
Monetary compensation to consumer + sometimes court-ordered apology |
| Applicable Laws |
Consumer Protection Act, 2019; Legal Metrology Act, 2009; FSSAI |
IPC / BNS; Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940; Legal Metrology Act, 2009 |
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 |
| Scope |
All defective, unsafe, misleading products |
Intentional fraud / criminal misconduct |
All harmed consumers, including online & offline |
| Timeframe for Action |
Immediate liability once product is defective |
Court / police investigation (variable) |
Complaint resolution 60–90 days in Consumer Court; 5–7 days online grievance (fast track) |
| Online Applicability |
Yes – E-commerce Rules, 2020 |
Yes – IPC applies to online fraud |
Yes – CPA + E-commerce grievance mechanism |
| Objective / Purpose |
Protect consumer from unsafe / defective products |
Punish intentional fraudsters / protect society |
Compensate consumer for loss or injury due to defective / fraudulent product |
