A consumer complaint was filed by Aparna, the wife of a deceased man Mihir, who died in a car fire involving a Ford Endeavour. The Petitioner challenged the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which limited

CS Executive · Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws · PYQS · December 2025
A consumer complaint was filed by Aparna, the wife of a deceased man Mihir, who died in a car fire involving a Ford Endeavour. The Petitioner challenged the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which limited her ability to approach the National Commission based on the price paid rather than the compensation claimed. The facts of the case are given below: Mihir purchased a Ford Endeavour Titanium for ₹ 32 lakhs. On 20th November, 2018, the vehicle caught fire during use which resulted in the death of Mihir. A criminal proceedings were initiated following the incident. Aparna, filed a consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in which she claimed compensation of ₹ 52 crores for the loss. The complaint was filed before the District Consumer Commission, Vadodara, due to the new pecuniary jurisdiction limits under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. She contended that under the 1986 Act, she could have approached the National Commission directly as jurisdiction was based on the amount claimed and not the consideration paid. It was contended that the current regime under the 2019 Act violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution due to its arbitrary and discriminatory impact on access to justice and disrupts the hierarchy of judicial forums. Based on the above facts, answer the following questions with regard to the provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019: What is the purpose behind referring to the Constitution and functioning of the Central Consumer Protection Council/Authority ?

Answer & Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India in Rutu Mihir Panchal vs Union of India 2025 observed that the purpose and object behind referring to the Constitution and functioning of the Central Consumer Protection Council and the Central Consumer Protection Authority is only to ensure that the regulatory regime for consumer protection is clearly identified, coordinated -if not centralized and declared to be duty bearers for effective functioning of consumer protection regime. The Supreme Court held that the Council and Authority being statutory authorities having clear purpose and objects and vested with powers and functions must act effectively and in complete coordination to achieve the preambular object of the statute to protect the interest of consumers. As they are impressed with statutory duty, their functioning will be subject to judicial review. Vibrant functioning of the Council and the Authority will subserve the purpose and object of the Parliament enacting the 2019 legislation.

Topics: Consumer Protection Act, 2019

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