India’s consumer protection needs alternative dispute resolution and online dispute resolution for efficient solutions.
Authors
Akash Gupta, Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Jindal Global Law School, India; National Law School, India University, Bengaluru, India
Arushi Bajpai, Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Jindal Global Law School, India
Janani Sivaraman, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, India
Summary
The introduction of India’s first consumer protection law in 1986 marked a significant step towards enhancing consumers’ social and economic welfare. This pioneering legislation was crafted to shield consumers from potential exploitation by large sellers and conglomerates. The subsequent enactment of the 2019 Act fortified consumer protection, emphasising expeditious and effective dispute resolution. Despite these legal advancements, the increasing number of pending cases and the escalating wave of new disputes in the wake of increased consumerism present new challenges.
This chapter underscores the pressing need to incorporate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and online dispute resolution (ODR) mechanisms to streamline and enhance the adjudication of consumer disputes. ADR and ODR can offer efficient and accessible solutions to address the complexities of modern consumer grievances. Recognising the evolving landscape of consumer rights and the dynamic market, the chapter recommends privatisation of justice in the consumer sector as the way forward.
Published in: Consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution in Emerging Economies
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