The Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is crucial legislation designed to ensure consumer rights and protection against unfair trade practices. Established in 1986 and revised in 2019, this Act introduces several significant provisions that empower consumers and offer mechanisms for resolving disputes encountered in the marketplace. The CPA recognizes consumers’ rights, including the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard, the right to seek redressal, and the right to education. Additionally, the Act encourages awareness of consumer rights and lays the groundwork for a well-informed consumer base capable of making educated purchasing decisions. The relevance of the Act has grown as globalization changes market dynamics, necessitating a legal framework that adapts to consumer needs while ensuring their protection from exploitation, substandard goods, and service failures.