To offer advanced and interactive training for Presidents and Members assigned by the Ministry, the Centre for Advanced Research on Corporate and Insolvency Laws (CARCIL). Chanakya National Law University, Patna, organized a “Three Days Training Workshop on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for the President of the District Consumer Commissions of Bihar. This workshop was tailored to enhance their capabilities in managing consumer disputes and realizing the goals of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

The preamble of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empowers the safeguarding of consumer interests and the establishment of effective dispute resolution authorities. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at District, State, and National levels, akin to those under the CPA 1986, now possess enhanced jurisdiction and the capability to virtually address complaints. Consumers can file electronic complaints from their location. The new Act includes a Mediation chapter, establishing mediation cells connected to District, State, and National Commissions, allowing parties to resolve disputes through mediation.

To support and enhance the competencies of Consumer Commission Presidents and Members, a prerequisite training program is proposed. This training aims to familiarize them with new aspects of the Consumer Protection Act 2019. Training plays a pivotal role in ensuring the competence of these Commissions within an efficient justice system. Both newly appointed and serving Presidents and Members of Consumer Commissions should receive substantial attention to upgrade their skills and knowledge for effective dispute resolution, aligned with the Act’s objective.

OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP:

1. Sensitize the allocated Presidents and Members about effectively applying the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, aligned with UN Guidelines and India’s Constitution.
2. Train the allocated Presidents and Members to handle potential enforcement issues of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
3. Identify significant challenges faced by Indian Consumer Commissions during the processing and adjudication of Consumer Disputes, and devise solutions.
4. Offer fundamental and conceptual analysis of new elements in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, like Product Liability, Mediation, E-Commerce, Direct Selling, etc.
5. Compare provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
6. Educate the Presidents and Members of Consumer Commissions about mediation principles and processes to appropriately refer cases for mediation.
7. Train the Presidents and Members on conducting hearings and examining parties via video conferencing, ensuring authenticity.

OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP:

1. Participants gained a thorough grasp of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, along with its associated Rules and Regulations.
2. Participants become familiar with the United Nations Guidelines for safeguarding consumer rights.
3. Participants became informed about potential challenges in implementing the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and strategies to address these challenges.
4. Empowered Consumer Commission Members and Presidents with skills for effectively resolving Consumer Disputes, aligning with the goals of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
5. Enabled participants to recognize suitable cases for mediation in dispute resolution, promoting a mediation culture to reduce case backlog.
6. Enhanced delegates’ understanding of the legal framework governing various aspects of Consumer Welfare Legislation.
7. Provided a dynamic environment to encourage and bolster Consumer Activism.

INAUGURAL GUESTS:

1. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar, Hon’ble President, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bihar, Patna.
2. Shri Vinay Kumar, IAS Secretary, Food and Consumer Protection Department of Bihar Govt. of Bihar, Patna
3. Prof (Dr.) S. S. Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal
4. (Dr.) S. P. Singh, Registrar, Chanakya National Law University

VALEDICTORY GUESTS:

1. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi (Former Chief Justice of Patna and Madras High Courts), President National Consumer Dispute Resolution Commission, New Delhi
2. Rohit Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
3. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar, Hon’ble President, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bihar, Patna.
4. (Dr.) S. P. Singh, Registrar, Chanakya National Law University, Patna

RESOURCE PERSONS:

1. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kumar, Hon’ble President, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bihar, Patna.
2. Prof (Dr.) S. S. Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal
3. Akanksha Rana, Senior Manager (Litigation) Diageo | Author of Consumer Claims | Mentor and Adviser at Consumers India
4. Krishna Kant Singh, Senior System Officer, Patna High Court
5. Hon’ble AVM J. Rajendra, AVSM VSM (Retd.) Member National Consumer Dispute Resolution Commission
6. Sumit Jain, Founding Director, Centre for Competition Law and Economics