A magistrate court in the Indian state of Kerala has asked Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Baba Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balkrishna to appear before it on June 3. The order was issued in connection with the case of publishing misleading advertisements in English and Malayalam newspapers.

<h2>About the order</h2>

The order summoning both founders of Haridwar-based Divya Pharmacy was issued by the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode.&nbsp;

This comes after a complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, last month in the magistrate court against Divya Pharmacy which markets Patanjali’s productions.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/license-of-14-patanjali-products-cancelled-criminal-complaint-filed-against-ramdev-uttarakhand-govt-tells-sc-716569">License of 14 Patanjali products cancelled, criminal complaint filed against Ramdev, Uttarakhand govt tells SC</a>

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali has been under scrutiny for issuing misleading advertisements for health cures.&nbsp;

Last month, the Supreme Court lambasted both Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Patanjali for advertisements that promoted the Ayush treatment system while undermining modern, evidence-based medicine and asked them to tender a public apology.&nbsp;

The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law and suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products.

<h2>What is the case in Kerala court about?</h2>

The complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, Kozhikode back in April for two products under Section 3 of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.&nbsp;

The act prohibits the advertisement of some drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/patanjali-misleading-ads-case-top-court-urges-ramdev-to-wield-influence-responsibly-slams-ima-chief-721426">Patanjali misleading ads case: Top court urges Ramdev to wield influence responsibly; slams IMA chief</a>

The drugs control department in the state has alleged that misleading advertisements were published claiming that ‘Divya Lipdom’ – a tablet which is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy – would reduce abnormal levels of cholesterol and fat in the body and to improve fat metabolism.&nbsp;

Another product called ‘Nutrela Diabetic Care’ which is manufactured by Patanjali claims that it would manage blood sugar levels and body weight.&nbsp;

The complaint by the drugs control department in the state has alleged violations of Section 3(b) and 3(d) of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A magistrate court in the Indian state of Kerala has asked Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Baba Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balkrishna to appear before it on June 3.

A magistrate court in the Indian state of Kerala has asked Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Baba Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balkrishna to appear before it on June 3. The order was issued in connection with the case of publishing misleading advertisements in English and Malayalam newspapers. About the order The order summoning both founders of Haridwar-based Divya Pharmacy was issued by the Judicial First-Class Magistrate Court in Kozhikode. This comes after a complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, last month in the magistrate court against Divya Pharmacy which markets Patanjali’s productions. Also Read | License of 14 Patanjali products cancelled, criminal complaint filed against Ramdev, Uttarakhand govt tells SC Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali has been under scrutiny for issuing misleading advertisements for health cures. Last month, the Supreme Court lambasted both Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Patanjali for advertisements that promoted the Ayush treatment system while undermining modern, evidence-based medicine and asked them to tender a public apology. The Uttarakhand government, in an affidavit, told the Supreme Court that it has granted permission to file a complaint against Divya Pharmacy and Patanjali for repeated violations of the drug advertisements law and suspended manufacturing licenses for 14 of their products. What is the case in Kerala court about? The complaint was filed by the drugs inspector, office of the assistant drugs controller, Kozhikode back in April for two products under Section 3 of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The act prohibits the advertisement of some drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders. Also Read | Patanjali misleading ads case: Top court urges Ramdev to wield influence responsibly; slams IMA chief The drugs control department in the state has alleged that misleading advertisements were published claiming that ‘Divya Lipdom’ – a tablet which is manufactured by Divya Pharmacy – would reduce abnormal levels of cholesterol and fat in the body and to improve fat metabolism. Another product called ‘Nutrela Diabetic Care’ which is manufactured by Patanjali claims that it would manage blood sugar levels and body weight. The complaint by the drugs control department in the state has alleged violations of Section 3(b) and 3(d) of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements). (With inputs from agencies)

Misleading ads case: Kerala court summons Patanjali’s Baba Ramdev, managing director

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) granted Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna one week to address the contempt charges after they offered a public apology. The court has instructed Ramdev and Balkrishna to attend the upcoming hearing on April 23.

Supreme Court told Balkrishna during the hearing, “You are not so innocent that you didn't know what we said in the earlier order.”

"We respect what you have done for yoga," the bench further said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/explained-the-ads-case-against-patanjali-710471">Explained: The ads case against Patanjali</a>

Yoga guru Ramdev and Balkrishna appeared in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) for the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved regarding its misleading ads and claims about Covid cures.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the Supreme Court that Ramdev is willing to make a public apology.

Justice Hima Kohli said the court wants to hear what Ramdev and Balkrishna have to say and asked them to come forward.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-supreme-court-rejects-patanjalis-apology-cites-false-claims-to-avoid-appearance-709779" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-supreme-court-rejects-patanjalis-apology-cites-false-claims-to-avoid-appearance-709779&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJjd6AmMaFAxWaUGcHHal2C6AQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LSn8h99MFPGKpK-WZ2ywz&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-supreme-court-rejects-patanjalis-apology-cites-false-claims-to-avoid-appearance-709779" target="_blank">India's Supreme Court rejects&nbsp;Patanjali's&nbsp;apology</a>

"I would like to say that I offer an unconditional, unqualified apology for whatever mistake we made," Ramdev to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court then granted a week to Ramdev and Balkrishna Acharya to take steps to redeem themselves of the alleged contempt after their lawyers offered to issue a public apology for misleading advertisements.

Patanjali ads case

It started in 2021, when Patanjali launched a drug, Coronil and Ramdev described it as the first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) spoke out against the blatant lie.&nbsp;

Ramdev, in a video was heard saying that allopathy was a stupid and bankrupt science.The IMA sent a legal notice to Ramdev and sought an apology and withdrawal of statements.

In August 2022, IMA filed a petition against Patanjali after it published an advertisement in newspapers titled 'Misconceptions Spread By Allopathy'. The Patanjali ad claimed drugs used by them had cured people of diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, liver cirrhosis, arthritis and asthma.

In November 2023, the Supreme Court warned Patanjali against claims that its products can completely cure ailments and also sought a reply from the company for such misleading ads.

On March 19, the court came down heavily on Ramdev and Balkrishna for not filing the reply to the contempt notice. It then asked Ramdev and Balkrishna to appear in person.&nbsp;

Supreme Court rejected Patanjali's apology after the court noted that they were sent to the media first.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) granted Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna one week to address the contempt charges after they offered a public apology. The court has instructed Ramdev and Balkrishna to attend the upcoming hearing on April 23.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) granted Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna one week to address the contempt charges after they offered a public apology. The court has instructed Ramdev and Balkrishna to attend the upcoming hearing on April 23. Supreme Court told Balkrishna during the hearing, “You are not so innocent that you didn't know what we said in the earlier order.” "We respect what you have done for yoga," the bench further said. Also read: Explained: The ads case against Patanjali Yoga guru Ramdev and Balkrishna appeared in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (April 16) for the contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved regarding its misleading ads and claims about Covid cures. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told the Supreme Court that Ramdev is willing to make a public apology. Justice Hima Kohli said the court wants to hear what Ramdev and Balkrishna have to say and asked them to come forward. Also read: India's Supreme Court rejects Patanjali's apology "I would like to say that I offer an unconditional, unqualified apology for whatever mistake we made," Ramdev to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then granted a week to Ramdev and Balkrishna Acharya to take steps to redeem themselves of the alleged contempt after their lawyers offered to issue a public apology for misleading advertisements. Patanjali ads case It started in 2021, when Patanjali launched a drug, Coronil and Ramdev described it as the first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) spoke out against the blatant lie. Ramdev, in a video was heard saying that allopathy was a stupid and bankrupt science.The IMA sent a legal notice to Ramdev and sought an apology and withdrawal of statements. In August 2022, IMA filed a petition against Patanjali after it published an advertisement in newspapers titled 'Misconceptions Spread By Allopathy'. The Patanjali ad claimed drugs used by them had cured people of diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, liver cirrhosis, arthritis and asthma. In November 2023, the Supreme Court warned Patanjali against claims that its products can completely cure ailments and also sought a reply from the company for such misleading ads. On March 19, the court came down heavily on Ramdev and Balkrishna for not filing the reply to the contempt notice. It then asked Ramdev and Balkrishna to appear in person. Supreme Court rejected Patanjali's apology after the court noted that they were sent to the media first. (With inputs from agencies)

You are not so innocent, Indian Supreme Court tells Patanjali in misleading ads case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 11) in a strong rebuke dismissed Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna's latest apology for the company's misleading advertisements. The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case and said they are not blind and will not show leniency.

The court tore into the Uttarakhand licensing authority for inaction and the central government's response deemed inadequate.

"The apology is on paper. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of undertaking," the bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A Amanullah said.

The court started the proceedings by criticising Ramdev and Balkrishna for apologising to the media first, not the court. Justice Kohli pointed out the delay in submitting the affidavits, suggesting they prioritised publicity. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/patanjali-md-acharya-balkrishna-submits-unqualified-apology-to-supreme-court-over-alleged-misleading-ads-702634" hreflang="en">Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna submits unqualified apology to Supreme Court over alleged misleading ads</a>

Despite defence lawyer Mukul Rohatgi's claims, the court found the affidavits poorly drafted and expressed doubt about their sincerity.

The judge examining the affidavits, Justice Amanullah, expressed strong doubt about their authenticity. He bluntly stated, "These affidavits seem like a mockery of the court process. Who wrote them? It's baffling." &nbsp; 
 
Defence attorney Rohatgi attempted to downplay the issue, claiming a simple mistake. The court countered with, "That's a understatement."

Justice Amanullah then questioned the sincerity of the apology itself. He asked, "Is there any genuine regret here?" &nbsp;

The court remained unimpressed, stating, "Even after our clear orders? &nbsp;An apology alone isn't enough. You must face the consequences of disobeying the court. We won't be lenient in this case."

The court said, "This isn't just about punishing one company, it's about making sure everyone follows the rules. Look, when the government told you to take down those ads, what did you do? You hid behind a technicality, some court decision, to avoid any trouble. That, on top of everything else, shows you just don't respect the law or the people you're supposed to be selling to. Saying 'sorry' and claiming good intentions isn't enough."

Things got even hotter when the court turned to the Uttarakhand government.

They basically asked why nobody in charge of licensing ever did their job. Apparently, three officials were supposed to be suspended immediately.&nbsp;The judges were furious that these government workers did nothing. They said something like, "We take major offence to you calling those officers 'well-meaning.' Don't try to downplay this! We'll tear you apart for this! All they did was shuffle paperwork!"

We have strong objection to the use of the word 'bonafide' for officers. We are not going to take (it) lightly."

"We will rip you apart," it said, saying that officers were just "pushing files".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 11) in a strong rebuke dismissed Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna's latest apology for the company's misleading advertisements.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 11) in a strong rebuke dismissed Patanjali founders Ramdev and Balkrishna's latest apology for the company's misleading advertisements. The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case and said they are not blind and will not show leniency. The court tore into the Uttarakhand licensing authority for inaction and the central government's response deemed inadequate. "The apology is on paper. We decline to accept this, we consider it a deliberate violation of undertaking," the bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice A Amanullah said. The court started the proceedings by criticising Ramdev and Balkrishna for apologising to the media first, not the court. Justice Kohli pointed out the delay in submitting the affidavits, suggesting they prioritised publicity. Also read | Patanjali MD Acharya Balkrishna submits unqualified apology to Supreme Court over alleged misleading ads Despite defence lawyer Mukul Rohatgi's claims, the court found the affidavits poorly drafted and expressed doubt about their sincerity. The judge examining the affidavits, Justice Amanullah, expressed strong doubt about their authenticity. He bluntly stated, "These affidavits seem like a mockery of the court process. Who wrote them? It's baffling." Defence attorney Rohatgi attempted to downplay the issue, claiming a simple mistake. The court countered with, "That's a understatement." Justice Amanullah then questioned the sincerity of the apology itself. He asked, "Is there any genuine regret here?" The court remained unimpressed, stating, "Even after our clear orders? An apology alone isn't enough. You must face the consequences of disobeying the court. We won't be lenient in this case." The court said, "This isn't just about punishing one company, it's about making sure everyone follows the rules. Look, when the government told you to take down those ads, what did you do? You hid behind a technicality, some court decision, to avoid any trouble. That, on top of everything else, shows you just don't respect the law or the people you're supposed to be selling to. Saying 'sorry' and claiming good intentions isn't enough." Things got even hotter when the court turned to the Uttarakhand government. They basically asked why nobody in charge of licensing ever did their job. Apparently, three officials were supposed to be suspended immediately. The judges were furious that these government workers did nothing. They said something like, "We take major offence to you calling those officers 'well-meaning.' Don't try to downplay this! We'll tear you apart for this! All they did was shuffle paperwork!" We have strong objection to the use of the word 'bonafide' for officers. We are not going to take (it) lightly." "We will rip you apart," it said, saying that officers were just "pushing files". (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court warns Patanjali in misleading ads case says ‘will rip you apart’

The UK regulator accused the HSBC bank of “greenwashing” after it ran advertisements, claiming to be working on tackling climate change.

The regulator said that the bank deliberately omitted its involvement in fossil fuel projects and links to deforestation.

Greenwashing is a form of marketing gimmick adopted by companies to project themselves as eco-friendly or sustainable when this is not the case. It is done deliberately to mislead people into believing that they are helping the planet with their green choices.

On Wednesday, UK’s Advertising Standards Authority said that the British multination firm’s ran misleading promotions, endorsing that the lender has been taking steps to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the posters displayed an image showing waves crashing on a shore with text that said, "Climate change doesn't do borders. Neither do rising sea levels. That's why HSBC is aiming to provide up to $1 trillion in financing and investment globally to help our clients transition to net zero.”

The ASA upheld that the ads “omitted significant information about HSBC's contribution to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions."

“Customers... would not expect that HSBC, in making unqualified claims about its environmentally beneficial work, would also be simultaneously involved in the financing of businesses which made significant contributions to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions,” the ASA said.

Responding to the order, an HSBC spokesperson told the BBC, “The financial sector has a responsibility to communicate its role in the low carbon transition to raise public awareness and engage its customers.”

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The UK regulator accused the HSBC bank of “greenwashing” after it ran advertisements, claiming to be working on tackling climate change. The regulator said that the bank deliberately omitted its involvement in fossil fuel projects and links to deforestation.

The UK regulator accused the HSBC bank of “greenwashing” after it ran advertisements, claiming to be working on tackling climate change. The regulator said that the bank deliberately omitted its involvement in fossil fuel projects and links to deforestation. Greenwashing is a form of marketing gimmick adopted by companies to project themselves as eco-friendly or sustainable when this is not the case. It is done deliberately to mislead people into believing that they are helping the planet with their green choices. On Wednesday, UK’s Advertising Standards Authority said that the British multination firm’s ran misleading promotions, endorsing that the lender has been taking steps to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. One of the posters displayed an image showing waves crashing on a shore with text that said, "Climate change doesn't do borders. Neither do rising sea levels. That's why HSBC is aiming to provide up to $1 trillion in financing and investment globally to help our clients transition to net zero.” The ASA upheld that the ads “omitted significant information about HSBC's contribution to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions." “Customers... would not expect that HSBC, in making unqualified claims about its environmentally beneficial work, would also be simultaneously involved in the financing of businesses which made significant contributions to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions,” the ASA said. Responding to the order, an HSBC spokesperson told the BBC, “The financial sector has a responsibility to communicate its role in the low carbon transition to raise public awareness and engage its customers.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK regulator accuses HSBC of ‘greenwashing’ over its misleading ads

Facebook is banning ads which promise to cure COVID-19, the disease caused by the deadly coronavirus.

Facebook banning coronavirus ads

The Indian consumer is being shortchanged, despite best intentions. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, introduced in Parliament in the last Winter Session, incorporates some of the best international practices for protection of consumer interests.

Yet it is being thwarted at every step. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on &nbsp;January 5, 2018, to replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Three years before that, the Consumer Protection Bill, 2015, was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 10, 2015, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution on August 25, 2015, for examination.

The Standing Committee (2015-16), with JC Divakar Reddy as chairperson, recommended this Bill with some modifications, after consultation with various stakeholders.

The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 was withdrawn and replaced with the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, which takes care of most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee.

Considering that this Bill was introduced on January 5, 2018, the last day of the Winter Session of Parliament, one could have reasonably expected it to be passed in the Budget Session.

But this session turned out to be a total waste. According to one media report, productivity in both Houses of Parliament had dropped to less than 10 per cent of the average. Other reports, which appeared after the Budget Session ended on April 6, said it was the least productive in the last 18 years!

Lok Sabha lost 127 hours and 45 minutes due to disruptions while Rajya Sabha wasted 121 hours. In the limited working time, five bills could be passed as against the planned 40. Obviously, lawmakers found no time for this consumer-friendly initiative, which should have received priority attention.

Nevertheless, exactly 32 years ago, lawmakers gave us the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It was a landmark legislation. Consumers were made to believe that as and when their consumer rights were violated, they could approach the consumer forum for speedy justice.

Many of them did go to the consumer forum. As per latest statistics displayed on the website of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), nearly 50 lakh consumer cases have been filed in district forums, state commissions and the National Commission set up across the country under the Act. It also shows an impressive disposal of over 91 per cent. But it is difficult to overlook the fact that over 4.3 lakh cases are still pending.

A closer look tells a different story. Ideally, each complaint is supposed to be disposed off within 90 days of receipt of the notice by the opposite party, but the harsh reality is that barely 10 per cent cases are decided within this mandated period.

Another problem is the predominance of lawyers in consumer forums. Consumer forums were meant to provide speedy justice in simple ways. Instead, they started behaving like courts.

When consumers found it difficult to find their way through this maze, they started relying on lawyers. The opposite party, in any case hired a battery of lawyers to defend their case. They often go in appeal on flimsy grounds.

One study by the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) shows that only 20 per cent consumers in India know about the Consumer Protection Act and that 93 per cent respondents of the survey have never actually made a formal complaint. Out of the 7 per cent who had, only a minuscule 0.3 per cent have ever approached a consumer fora.

But this is not to belittle the role of consumer forums in safeguarding rights. There have been some landmark cases. For example, in the path-breaking case of Indian Medical Association vs VP Shantha, 1996, the Supreme Court had held that a doctor can be made liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 for deficiency of service.

In another landmark case, US-based doctor Kunal Saha’s wife had died in 1998 due to medical negligence in Kolkata. The West Bengal Medical Council had given a clean chit to the doctors. However, after fighting for 12 years, the National Commission ordered compensation of Rs 1.73 crore in 2011, which was further increased to around Rs 6 crore by the Supreme Court. Such cases, however, have been far and few between.

Nonetheless, the 2018 Bill has some far-reaching provisions. For example, misleading ads, one of the greatest banes of modern society. It is a matter of grave concern that advertisements regarding magical cures for life-threatening diseases, weight-reduction etc., continue duping consumers in India without any check.

The Standing Committee of Parliament recommended that stringent provisions be made in the bill to tackle misleading advertisements, as well as to fix liability on endorsers/celebrities.

As per the 2018 bill, the Central Consumer Protection Authority may, after investigation, direct the concerned trader, manufacturer, endorser, advertiser or publisher of the misleading advertisement to discontinue such advertisement or to modify the same.

The authority may also impose a penalty extending to Rs 10 lakh, and a further penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh for every subsequent contravention. In addition, a misleading advertisement shall attract a sentence of imprisonment of up to two years, and a further term of up to five years for every subsequent contravention.

Interestingly, the bill imposes an obligation on celebrity endorsers of any product or service to verify the veracity of the claims regarding the product or service before endorsing the same, failing which the authority may prohibit the endorser of false or misleading advertisement, imposing a ban for a period extending to one year and a further prohibition of up to three years for every subsequent contravention. Non-compliance with the orders of the authority shall be punishable with fine or imprisonment or both. It is time Parliament enacted a law on this very progressive bill. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-where-buyer-is-not-the-king-2681058">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Indian consumer is being shortchanged, despite best intentions. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, introduced in Parliament in the last Winter Session, incorporates some of the best international practices for protection of consumer interests.

The Indian consumer is being shortchanged, despite best intentions. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, introduced in Parliament in the last Winter Session, incorporates some of the best international practices for protection of consumer interests. Yet it is being thwarted at every step. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on January 5, 2018, to replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Three years before that, the Consumer Protection Bill, 2015, was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 10, 2015, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution on August 25, 2015, for examination. The Standing Committee (2015-16), with JC Divakar Reddy as chairperson, recommended this Bill with some modifications, after consultation with various stakeholders. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 was withdrawn and replaced with the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, which takes care of most of the suggestions of the Standing Committee. Considering that this Bill was introduced on January 5, 2018, the last day of the Winter Session of Parliament, one could have reasonably expected it to be passed in the Budget Session. But this session turned out to be a total waste. According to one media report, productivity in both Houses of Parliament had dropped to less than 10 per cent of the average. Other reports, which appeared after the Budget Session ended on April 6, said it was the least productive in the last 18 years! Lok Sabha lost 127 hours and 45 minutes due to disruptions while Rajya Sabha wasted 121 hours. In the limited working time, five bills could be passed as against the planned 40. Obviously, lawmakers found no time for this consumer-friendly initiative, which should have received priority attention. Nevertheless, exactly 32 years ago, lawmakers gave us the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It was a landmark legislation. Consumers were made to believe that as and when their consumer rights were violated, they could approach the consumer forum for speedy justice. Many of them did go to the consumer forum. As per latest statistics displayed on the website of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), nearly 50 lakh consumer cases have been filed in district forums, state commissions and the National Commission set up across the country under the Act. It also shows an impressive disposal of over 91 per cent. But it is difficult to overlook the fact that over 4.3 lakh cases are still pending. A closer look tells a different story. Ideally, each complaint is supposed to be disposed off within 90 days of receipt of the notice by the opposite party, but the harsh reality is that barely 10 per cent cases are decided within this mandated period. Another problem is the predominance of lawyers in consumer forums. Consumer forums were meant to provide speedy justice in simple ways. Instead, they started behaving like courts. When consumers found it difficult to find their way through this maze, they started relying on lawyers. The opposite party, in any case hired a battery of lawyers to defend their case. They often go in appeal on flimsy grounds. One study by the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) shows that only 20 per cent consumers in India know about the Consumer Protection Act and that 93 per cent respondents of the survey have never actually made a formal complaint. Out of the 7 per cent who had, only a minuscule 0.3 per cent have ever approached a consumer fora. But this is not to belittle the role of consumer forums in safeguarding rights. There have been some landmark cases. For example, in the path-breaking case of Indian Medical Association vs VP Shantha, 1996, the Supreme Court had held that a doctor can be made liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 for deficiency of service. In another landmark case, US-based doctor Kunal Saha’s wife had died in 1998 due to medical negligence in Kolkata. The West Bengal Medical Council had given a clean chit to the doctors. However, after fighting for 12 years, the National Commission ordered compensation of Rs 1.73 crore in 2011, which was further increased to around Rs 6 crore by the Supreme Court. Such cases, however, have been far and few between. Nonetheless, the 2018 Bill has some far-reaching provisions. For example, misleading ads, one of the greatest banes of modern society. It is a matter of grave concern that advertisements regarding magical cures for life-threatening diseases, weight-reduction etc., continue duping consumers in India without any check. The Standing Committee of Parliament recommended that stringent provisions be made in the bill to tackle misleading advertisements, as well as to fix liability on endorsers/celebrities. As per the 2018 bill, the Central Consumer Protection Authority may, after investigation, direct the concerned trader, manufacturer, endorser, advertiser or publisher of the misleading advertisement to discontinue such advertisement or to modify the same. The authority may also impose a penalty extending to Rs 10 lakh, and a further penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh for every subsequent contravention. In addition, a misleading advertisement shall attract a sentence of imprisonment of up to two years, and a further term of up to five years for every subsequent contravention. Interestingly, the bill imposes an obligation on celebrity endorsers of any product or service to verify the veracity of the claims regarding the product or service before endorsing the same, failing which the authority may prohibit the endorser of false or misleading advertisement, imposing a ban for a period extending to one year and a further prohibition of up to three years for every subsequent contravention. Non-compliance with the orders of the authority shall be punishable with fine or imprisonment or both. It is time Parliament enacted a law on this very progressive bill. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Consumer Protection Bill 2018 must be passed immediately to protect consumer rights

A new &#39;consumer protection&#39;&nbsp;act is in the making and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gst-how-much-will-household-goods-cost-17468">&#39;consumer empowerment&#39;</a>&nbsp;will be a major part of it and guidelines on &#39;misleading&nbsp;ads&#39;&nbsp;will be made stricter, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was speaking at the inauguration of International Conference on Consumer Protection for&nbsp;East, South &amp; South-East Countries in New Delhi.

Government&#39;s priority to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/gst-roll-out-how-does-it-affect-you-4024">consumer protection is in line with our resolve of &#39;New India&#39;</a>&nbsp;and we&#39;ll change it to consumer prosperity on our way ahead, PM added.

Consumer protection in an inseparable part of governance. Our Vedas have an extensive mention of consumer protection, PM Modi said.

Defending the GST, the prime minister said that GST was giving the country a new business culture. &quot;Consumers will be the biggest beneficiary of the new indirect tax regime,&#39;&#39; said Modi.

GST will boost competition among the companies, which will decrease prices of goods, in turn, benefiting poor and the middle-class consumers, Modi said.&nbsp;

What can be described as an ambitious project, the PM said that the government was working to make sure housing for all by 2022.&nbsp;

According to a PIB release, this is the first time an international conference on consumer protection is being organised by India for countries of the region which account for a majority of the global consumers and share common challenges and experiences. 22 countries from East, South and South-East Asia are participating in the international conference.

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food &amp; Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan and Secretary-General, UNCTAD also addressed the participants. Besides the delegates, the inaugural session was attended by the dignitaries from the Centre and States including ministers, heads of consumer commissions, heads of regulatory authorities and senior officials.

The Conference will have six working sessions on the subjects of the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection and implementation, stakeholder participation in consumer protection, protection of online consumers, stakeholders participation, fostering consumer Inclusion in financial services, protection of vulnerable groups of consumers and consumer empowerment through education. Experts from different countries and India will be presenting their papers and views on the occasion.

&nbsp;The Conference will provide a platform to discuss and deliberate upon different aspects of consumer protection in the backdrop of revised UNGCP, aimed at shared learning and will explore a way forward for enhanced regional cooperation on the subject.

GST will boost competition among the companies, which will decrease prices of goods, in turn, benefiting poor and the middle-class consumers, Modi said.

A new 'consumer protection' act is in the making and the 'consumer empowerment' will be a major part of it and guidelines on 'misleading ads' will be made stricter, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was speaking at the inauguration of International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South & South-East Countries in New Delhi. Government's priority to consumer protection is in line with our resolve of 'New India' and we'll change it to consumer prosperity on our way ahead, PM added. Consumer protection in an inseparable part of governance. Our Vedas have an extensive mention of consumer protection, PM Modi said. Defending the GST, the prime minister said that GST was giving the country a new business culture. "Consumers will be the biggest beneficiary of the new indirect tax regime,'' said Modi. GST will boost competition among the companies, which will decrease prices of goods, in turn, benefiting poor and the middle-class consumers, Modi said. What can be described as an ambitious project, the PM said that the government was working to make sure housing for all by 2022. According to a PIB release, this is the first time an international conference on consumer protection is being organised by India for countries of the region which account for a majority of the global consumers and share common challenges and experiences. 22 countries from East, South and South-East Asia are participating in the international conference. The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan and Secretary-General, UNCTAD also addressed the participants. Besides the delegates, the inaugural session was attended by the dignitaries from the Centre and States including ministers, heads of consumer commissions, heads of regulatory authorities and senior officials. The Conference will have six working sessions on the subjects of the United Nations guidelines for consumer protection and implementation, stakeholder participation in consumer protection, protection of online consumers, stakeholders participation, fostering consumer Inclusion in financial services, protection of vulnerable groups of consumers and consumer empowerment through education. Experts from different countries and India will be presenting their papers and views on the occasion. The Conference will provide a platform to discuss and deliberate upon different aspects of consumer protection in the backdrop of revised UNGCP, aimed at shared learning and will explore a way forward for enhanced regional cooperation on the subject.

Consumer protection government's priority, in line with our resolve of 'New India': Modi

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