Consumer Protection Act: Statutory Rules & Regulations

Procedural guidelines, 2021 pecuniary jurisdiction slabs, Commission regulations, and e-commerce compliance rules under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Substantive Sections (1–107)

Part I: Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of Commissions) Rules, 2021

Statutory Pecuniary Jurisdiction Slabs (Effective Dec 30, 2021)

G.S.R. 889(E)

Notified under Section 101(2)(e), (f), and (l) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to rationalize the pecuniary jurisdiction of consumer fora based strictly on the actual consideration paid by the consumer (rather than claim amount).

Consumer Forum Statutory Governing Section Revised Pecuniary Jurisdiction Slab
District Commission Section 34(1) Where the value of goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed ₹50,00,000 (Fifty Lakh Rupees).
State Commission Section 47(1)(a)(i) Where the value of goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹50,00,000 but does not exceed ₹2,00,00,000 (Two Crore Rupees).
National Commission (NCDRC) Section 58(1)(a)(i) Where the value of goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹2,00,00,000 (Two Crore Rupees).

Part II: Consumer Commission Procedure Regulations, 2020

Regulation 3 – Filing, Scrutiny & Admission of Complaints

Procedure
(1) Every complaint filed under the Act shall be accompanied by an index, page numbering, affidavit of verification, and proof of payment of consideration.
(2) The Registry shall scrutinize the complaint within twenty-one days from the date of filing. The admissibility of the complaint shall ordinarily be decided within twenty-one days.

Regulation 5 – Notice & Filing of Written Version (Reply)

Limitation
(1) Upon admission, the Commission shall issue notice to the Opposite Party directing them to present their written version of defence within thirty days from the date of receipt of notice.
(2) The Commission may grant a further extension of not exceeding fifteen days if sufficient cause is shown. In accordance with the Supreme Court Constitution Bench ruling in New India Assurance v. Hilli Multipurpose Cold Storage, the total statutory period of forty-five days (30 + 15 days) is mandatory and non-extendable.

Regulation 14 – Application for Review under Section 40 / 50

Review

An application for review of an order passed by the District Commission or State Commission shall be filed within thirty days from the date of the order, on the grounds of an error apparent on the face of the record.

Part III: Consumer Protection (Mediation) Regulations, 2020

Matters Suitable for Consumer Mediation & Procedure

ADR

Under Chapter V of the Act, if it appears to the Commission at the first hearing that there exists an element of settlement, the Commission may direct the parties to give consent within five days to refer the matter to the attached Consumer Mediation Cell.

Matters Excluded from Mediation: Medical negligence claims resulting in grievous injury or death, serious criminal fraud, and offences punishable under Chapter VII shall not be referred to mediation.

Part IV: Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020

Rule 4 – Mandatory Redressal Timelines for Online Marketplaces

E-Commerce
(1) Every e-commerce entity shall appoint a Grievance Officer and display their name, contact details, and designation prominently on its website or mobile app.
(2) The Grievance Officer shall acknowledge the receipt of any consumer complaint within forty-eight hours and redress the complaint within one month from the date of receipt.
(3) No e-commerce entity shall impose cancellation charges on consumers after confirming purchase unless similar charges are borne by the entity if they cancel unilaterally.
All 107 Sections of CPA 2019