Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the CCPA: notes for bank exams

At a glance

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It created a regulator, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), to act on behalf of consumers as a class against misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, and it kept the three-tier consumer commissions where individuals file complaints. It also added product liability, mediation, e-filing and rules for e-commerce.

Key facts

Act in force: 20 July 2020 (replaced the 1986 Act)
Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs)
CCPA set up: 24 July 2020, under Section 10 of the Act
CCPA head: Chief Commissioner, Nidhi Khare (named in CCPA orders, October 2026)
CCPA penalty for misleading ad: up to ₹10 lakh on manufacturer or endorser; up to ₹50 lakh for a repeat
Endorser ban: up to 1 year; up to 3 years for a repeat
Court punishment for false or misleading ad (Section 89): up to 2 years' jail and ₹10 lakh fine; repeat up to 5 years and ₹50 lakh
Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules: 2020
Dark patterns guidelines: 2023 (13 specified dark patterns)
National Consumer Day: 24 December; World Consumer Rights Day: 15 March
Helpline: National Consumer Helpline 1915; e-filing portal e-Daakhil

How it works

CCPA. The CCPA can investigate on its own or on complaints, order recalls, refunds and withdrawal of goods or services, direct the discontinuation or correction of misleading ads, and impose penalties. It has an Investigation Wing headed by a Director General.

Consumer commissions (pecuniary limits since 30 December 2021, based on the value paid for goods or services).

Commission	Jurisdiction	Appeal goes to
District Commission	Up to ₹50 lakh	State Commission (within 45 days)
State Commission	Above ₹50 lakh up to ₹2 crore	National Commission (within 30 days)
National Commission (NCDRC)	Above ₹2 crore	Supreme Court (within 30 days)

Consumers can file where they live or work, not only where the seller is. Each commission can refer cases to mediation.

Six consumer rights. Safety, information, choice, being heard, seeking redressal and consumer awareness.

Recent developments

22 Oct 2026: CCPA fined Britannia Industries ₹1 lakh for advertising a bread as "100% Whole Wheat Bread" when whole wheat flour was only about 62% (FSSAI rules require 75%); compliance report due within 15 days.

Exam traps

The CCPA is an executive regulator that acts for consumers as a class; individual complaints for compensation go to the consumer commissions.
Pecuniary limits were revised in 2021: District ₹50 lakh (not ₹1 crore), State up to ₹2 crore (not ₹10 crore).
CCPA penalties (₹10 lakh / ₹50 lakh) are civil; jail terms need a court under Section 89.
FSSAI sets food labelling standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006; the CCPA acts on the misleading advertisement.
National Consumer Day (24 December) is Indian; World Consumer Rights Day is 15 March.

Quick check

Q: When was the CCPA established? A: 24 July 2020.
Q: What is the pecuniary limit of a District Consumer Commission? A: Up to ₹50 lakh.
Q: Maximum CCPA penalty for a first misleading ad? A: ₹10 lakh.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the CCPA