Date: 2021-12-14Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub section 5 of section 15 and read with clause c of sub section 2 of section 104 of the Consumer Protection Act
## Report on the Central Consumer Protection Authority Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing Regulations, 2021
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report provides an overview of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing Regulations, 2021, as published in the Gazette of India. This is a *new* policy. The regulations outline the procedures for submitting inquiries or investigations conducted by the Investigation Wing of the CCPA. The core purpose is to establish a structured process for handling information, complaints, and directions related to consumer protection, ensuring timely investigation and appropriate action. Key findings include defined timelines for various stages of inquiry and investigation, roles and responsibilities of the Secretary and Director General, and provisions for handling confidential information.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Central Consumer Protection Authority Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing Regulations, 2021, based solely on the text provided in the official notification. It analyzes the key provisions, target audience, implementation aspects, and expected outcomes as inferred from the policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objectives of these regulations are:
* To establish a clear and defined procedure for the Investigation Wing of the CCPA to conduct inquiries and investigations.
* To set timelines for various stages of the investigation process, ensuring efficiency and timely action.
* To provide a framework for handling information, complaints, and directions received by the CCPA related to consumer protection.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As a new policy, these regulations likely address the need for a standardized and efficient process for handling consumer protection inquiries and investigations. Prior to these regulations, there may have been a lack of clarity regarding the procedures, timelines, and responsibilities involved in the investigation process, potentially hindering the CCPA's ability to effectively protect consumer rights. The regulations aim to streamline the process and ensure accountability in handling consumer complaints.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As this is a new policy, this section details the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the entire provided text:
* **Regulation 1 (Short Title and Commencement):** Establishes the name of the regulations and states that they come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette (December 9th, 2021).
* **Regulation 2 (Definitions):** Defines key terms used in the regulations, including "Act" (Consumer Protection Act, 2019), "Central Authority" (CCPA), "Investigation Wing," and "Secretary." It also states that undefined terms used in the regulations, but defined in the Act, will have the meanings assigned to them in the Act.
* **Regulation 3 (Opinion on existence of prima facie case):** Outlines the procedure for forming an opinion on the existence of a prima facie case. The Secretary may place information, complaints, or directions before the Central Authority. The Central Authority shall record its opinion within fifteen days, as far as possible.
* **Regulation 4 (Preliminary inquiry):** Allows the Central Authority to conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine if a prima facie case exists. The Central Authority can call for information or invite any person for the inquiry. Formal rules of procedure are not required for a preliminary inquiry.
* **Regulation 5 (Issue of direction to cause investigation on prima facie case):** If a prima facie case exists, the Secretary must convey the directions of the Central Authority to the Director General within seven days to investigate the matter. If the matter should be addressed by another Regulator, the Secretary shall refer the matter to that Regulator, and the CCPA matter will be considered closed. The direction to the Director General is deemed the commencement of an investigation.
* **Regulation 6 (Communication of order when no prima facie case found):** If no prima facie case is found, the Secretary must send a copy of the closure order to the Central Government or the person who provided the information or filed the complaint.
* **Regulation 7 (Investigation by the Director General):** Specifies the documents and information the Secretary must provide to the Director General when conveying the Central Authority's directions. It sets a default timeline of thirty days for the Director General to submit an investigation report, which can be extended by the Central Authority. It mandates the content of the report including findings, evidence, documents, statements or analysis. It provides for a mechanism for confidential information to be submitted separately. It mandates two copies of the report be submitted, along with a soft copy. The Central Authority may direct further investigation and a supplementary report within forty-five days.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include:
* The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and its staff, particularly the Secretary and the Investigation Wing.
* The Director General responsible for conducting investigations.
* The Central Government, as a source of directions or recipient of information.
* Consumers and individuals who file complaints or provide information related to consumer protection issues.
* Other regulatory bodies that may receive referrals of cases.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), its Secretary, and the Director General are primarily responsible for implementing these regulations.
* **Timelines or procedures specified:**
* The Central Authority is expected to record its opinion on the existence of a prima facie case within fifteen days (Regulation 3).
* The Secretary must convey the directions of the Central Authority to the Director General within seven days of receiving the order (Regulation 5).
* The Director General must submit an investigation report within thirty days of receiving the directions (Regulation 7), unless an extension is granted.
* Supplementary investigation report to be submitted within forty-five days.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes of these regulations are likely:
* A more efficient and timely investigation process for consumer protection cases.
* Increased accountability and transparency in the handling of consumer complaints.
* Enhanced consumer protection through effective enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
* Clearer roles and responsibilities for the CCPA staff and the Director General in the investigation process.
* Potentially quicker resolution of consumer disputes, contributing to greater consumer confidence.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Central Consumer Protection Authority Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing Regulations, 2021, establishes a crucial framework for the efficient and effective handling of consumer protection inquiries and investigations. By defining procedures, setting timelines, and clarifying roles, these regulations are expected to streamline the investigation process, improve accountability, and ultimately enhance consumer protection. This policy represents a significant step in strengthening the consumer protection landscape.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: Location of publication of the gazette.
Central Consumer Protection Authority: An authority established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019: An act of the parliament of India relating to consumer protection.
Central Government: The executive branch of the Union of India.
Central Consumer Protection Authority Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing Regulations, 2021: Regulations pertaining to the submission of inquiry or investigation reports by the Investigation Wing of the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
Official Gazette: A public journal.
Investigation Wing: The Investigation Wing of the Central Authority.
Chief Commissioner: The head of the Central Authority who nominates the Secretary.
Director General: Official responsible for conducting investigations under the direction of the Central Authority.
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064: The location where the document was printed.
Controller of Publications, Delhi110054: The publisher of the document.
Secretary: Senior officer of the Central Authority nominated as such by the Chief Commissioner
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-15122021-231869
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 646] नई दिल्ली, मगं लिार, दिसम्ब र 14, 2021/अग्रहायण 23, 1943
No. 646] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021/AGRAHAYANA 23, 1943
केंद्रीय उपभोक्ता सरं क्षण प्राजधकरण
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 9 दिसम्बर, 2021
फा. स.ं ि-े 25/14/2020-सीपीय ू (सीसीपीए).—केंद्रीय सरकार, उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अजधजनयम, 2019 (2019 का
35) की धारा 104 की उप-धारा (2) के खंड (ग) के साथ पठित धारा 15 की उप-धारा (5) द्वारा प्रित्त िजक्तयों का प्रयोग
करते हुए, जनम्नजलजखत जिजनयम बनाती ह,ै अथाात:्-
1. संजक्षप्त नाम और प्रारंभ - (1) इन जिजनयमों का संजक्षप्त नाम केन्द्द्रीय उपभोक्ता संरक्षण प्राजधकरण (अन्द्िेषण खडं द्वारा
िांच या अन्द्िेषण का प्रस्ट्तुजतकरण) जिजनयम, 2021 ह।ै
(2) ये रािपत्र म ें इनके प्रकािन की तारीख स ेप्रिृत्त होंगे।
2. पठरभाषाए:ं- (1) इन जिजनयमों म,ें िब तक दक संिभा स ेअन्द्यथा अपेजक्षत न हो,-
(क) 'अजधजनयम' स े उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अजधजनयम, 2019 (2019 का 35) अजभप्रेत ह;ै
(ख) 'केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण' स े अजधजनयम की धारा 10 के अधीन स्ट्थाजपत केन्द् द्रीय उपभोक्त ा संरक्षण प्राजधकरण
अजभप्रेत ह;ै
7273 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
(ग) 'अन्द्िेषण खंड' स े अजधजनयम की धारा 15 के उप-धारा (1) म ें संिर्भात केन्द् द्रीय प्राजधकरण का अन्द्िेषण खंड
अजभप्रेत ह;ै और
(घ) 'सजचि' स े मुख्य आयक्तु द्वारा इस जनजमत्त नाजमत केन्द्द्रीय प्राजधकरण का िठरष्ठ अजधकारी अजभप्रेत ह।ै
(2) उन िब्िों और पिों, िो इन जिजनयमों म ें प्रयुक्त दकए गए ह ैं और पठरभाजषत नहीं दकए गए ह ैं और
अजधजनयम म ेंपठरभाजषत दकए गए ह,ैं के िहीं अथा होंग े िो उस अजधजनयम म ें दिए गए ह।ैं
3. प्रथम िष्टृ या मामल े की जस्ट्थजत के सबं धं म ेंराय - (1) सजचि, अजधजनयम की धारा 19 की उप-धारा (1) म ें यथाजनर्िष्टा
केंद्रीय सरकार स े कोई सूचना, जिकायत, या जनिेि प्राप्त करने के पश्चात,् या प्रथम िष्टृया मामले की जस्ट्थजत के संबंध म ें
अपनी राय बनान े के जलए इस ेकेंद्रीय प्राजधकरण के समक्ष प्रस्ट्ततु कर सकता ह ैया करिा सकता ह।ै
(2) उप-जिजनयम (1) के प्रयोिन के जलए, केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण, िहां तक संभि हो, पंद्रह दिनों के भीतर प्रथम
िष्टृया मामल े की जस्ट्थजत के संबंध म ेंअपनी राय लेखबद्ध करेगा।
4. प्रारंजभक िाचं - (1) केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण, यदि िह आिश्यक समझे, प्रारंजभक िांच कर सकता ह ै या करिा सकता ह ै दक
क्या धारा 19 की उप-धारा (1) के अधीन प्रथम िष्टृया मामला बनता ह ै।
(2) केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण प्रारंजभक िांच के जलए आिश्यक पड़न े पर दकसी भी व्यजक्त को दकसी भी िानकारी के
जलए बुला सकता ह ैया आमंजत्रत कर सकता ह।ै
(3) प्रारंजभक िांच के जलए प्रदिया के औपचाठरक जनयमों का पालन करन े की आिश्यकता नहीं ह।ै
5. प्रथम िष्टृ या मामल े म ें अन्द्िषे ण करान े के जनिेि िारी करना - (1) िहां केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण की राय ह ै दक प्रथम िष्टृ या
मामला बनता ह,ै सजचि, केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण का आिेि प्राप्त होन े के सात दिनों के भीतर मामल े के अन्द्िेषण के जलए
महाजनिेिक को केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण के जनिेिों स े अिगत कराएगा।
(2) िहां केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण की राय ह ै दक ऐसे मामले को तत्समय प्रिृत्त दकसी अन्द्य जिजध के अधीन स्ट्थाजपत
दकसी जिजनयामक द्वारा जनपटाया िाना ह,ै सजचि, प्रारंजभक िांच की ठरपोट ा के साथ ऐस े मामले को संबंजधत जिजनयामक
को अग्रेजषत करेगा और इस प्रकार दकए गए अग्रेषण के कारणों को जलजखत रूप म ें लेखबद्ध दकया िाना ह ै और मामल े को
केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण के प्रयोिनों के जलए बंि माना िाएगा।
(3) उप-जिजनयम (1) के अधीन महाजनिेिक को िांच के जनिेि को अजधजनयम की धारा 19 की उप-धारा (1)
के अधीन िांच की िरुु आत माना िाएगा।
6. प्रथम िष्टृया कोई मामला न पाए िान े पर आिेि का सप्रं षे ण - यदि केन्द्द्रीय प्राजधकरण की यह राय ह ै दक प्रथम िष्टृया
कोई मामला नहीं ह,ै तो सजचि मामले को तत्काल बंि करने के संबंध म ें केंद्रीय सरकार या मामले म ें िानकारी प्रिान करन े
िाले या जिकायत ििा करने िाले व्यजक्त, िैसा भी मामला हो, को केन्द्द्रीय प्राजधकरण के आिेि की एक प्रजत भेिेगा।
7. महाजनिेिक द्वारा अन्द्िषे ण - (1) सजचि, महाजनिेिक को जिजनयम 5 के अधीन केन्द्द्रीय प्राजधकरण के जनिेिों स े
अिगत करात े हुए जनम्नजलजखत िानकारी भेिेगा:
(क) सूचना, जिकायत या जनिेि, िैसा भी मामला हो की एक प्रजत;
(ख) अन्द्य सभी िस्ट्तािेि या सामग्री या िपथपत्र या बयान िो या तो उक्त िानकारी, जिकायत, या जनिेि के
साथ या प्रारंजभक िांच के समय िायर दकए गए ह;ैं तथा
(ग) प्रारंजभक िांच की ठरपोट ा की एक प्रजत।[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(2) केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण महाजनिेिक को उसके द्वारा दकए गए अन्द्िेषण के आधार पर ऐसे समय, िो केंद्रीय
प्राजधकरण द्वारा जिजनर्िष्टा दकया िाए, िो सामान्द्यतः केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण के जनिेिों की प्राजप्त की तारीख स े तीस दिनों स े
अजधक नहीं होगा, के भीतर एक ठरपोट ा प्रस्ट्तुत करन े का जनििे िगे ा।
(3) केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण, पयााप्त कारणों का उल्लेख करते हुए महाजनिेिक द्वारा दिए गए आिेिन पर, ठरपोट ा
प्रस्ट्तुत करन े के समय को ऐसी अिजध तक बढा सकता ह,ै िो िह उजचत समझे।
(4) महाजनिेिक की ठरपोट ा म ें िांच के िौरान एकत्र दकए गए सभी साक्ष्यों या िस्ट्तािेिों या कथनों या जिश्लेषणों
के साथ सूचना, जिकायत या जनिेि, िैसा भी मामला हो, म ेंलगाए गए प्रत्येक आरोप पर उसके जनष्कषा सजम्मजलत होंग:े
परंत ु आिश्यकता पड़ने पर, महाजनिेिक, गोपनीयता बनाए रखने के जलए, अपनी ठरपोट ा िो भागों म ें प्रस्ट्तुत कर
सकता ह,ै जिनम ें स े एक भाग में िे िस्ट्तािेि होंग े जिन तक केंद्रीय सरकार या सूचना प्रिान करन िाले या जिकायत िायर
करने िाल े व्यजक्त को पहुचं िी िा सकती ह ै और िसू रा भाग, जिसम ें गोपनीय और व्यािसाजयक रूप स े संिेिनिील
िानकारी और िस्ट्तािेि होगी, जिस तक पहुचं हो आंजिक या पूरी तरह स ेप्रजतबंजधत दकया िा सकता ह।ै
(5) महाजनिेिक की ठरपोट ा की िो प्रजतयां, िस्ट्तािेज़ प्रारूप म ें एक सॉफ्ट कॉपी के साथ, केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण द्वारा
जिजनर्िष्टा समय के भीतर सजचि को अग्रेजषत की िाएगं ी:
परंत ु सजचि आिश्यकता पड़ने पर ठरपोट ा की और प्रजतयों की मांग कर सकता ह।ै
(6) यदि, ठरपोट ा पर जिचार करने के पश्चात,् केंद्रीय प्राजधकरण की यह राय ह ै दक अजतठरक्त अन्द्िेषण की
आिश्यकता ह,ै तो िह महाजनिेिक को अजतठरक्त अन्द्िेषण करने और जिजिष्ट मुद्दों पर ऐसे समय के भीतर, िो केंद्रीय
प्राजधकरण द्वारा जिजनर्िष्टा दकया िाए, परंत ु िो पैंतालीस दिनों स े अजधक नहीं होगा, एक पूरक ठरपोट ा प्रस्ट्तुत करन े का
जनिेि ि े सकता ह।ै
अनुपम जमश्रा, आयुक्त
[जिज्ञापन-III/4/असा./508/2021-22]
THE CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 9th December, 2021
F. No. J-25/14/2020-CPU (CCPA).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 15
and read with clause (c) of sub-section (2) of section 104 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (35 of 2019), the
Central Government hereby makes the following regulations, namely:---
1. Short title and commencement. - (1) These regulations shall be called the Central Consumer Protection
Authority (Submission of Inquiry or Investigation by the Investigation Wing) Regulations, 2021.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions.- (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires.-
(a) ‘Act’ means the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (35 of 2019);
(b) ‘Central Authority’ means the Central Consumer Protection Authority established under section 10 of the
Act;
(c) ‘Investigation Wing’ means the Investigation Wing of the Central Authority as referred to in sub-section(1)
of section15 of the Act; and
(d) ‘Secretary’ means the senior officer of the Central Authority nominated as such by the Chief Commissioner.
(2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these regulations and defined in the Act shall have the meanings
assigned respectively to them under that Act.
3. Opinion on existence of prima facie case.- (1) The Secretary, after receiving any information, complaint, or
direction from the Central Government, as referred to under sub-section (1) of section 19 of the Act, may place or4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
cause to be placed the same before the Central Authority to form its opinion on the existence of a prima facie case.
(2) For the purpose of sub-regulation (1), the Central Authority shall, as far as possible, record its opinion on the
existence of a prima facie case within fifteen days.
4. Preliminary inquiry. - (1) The Central Authority may, if it deems necessary, conduct or cause to be
conducted a preliminary inquiry as to whether there exists a prima facie case as under sub-section (1) of section 19.
(2) The Central Authority may call for any information or invite any person as may be necessary for the
preliminary inquiry.
(3) A preliminary inquiry need not follow formal rules of procedure.
5. Issue of direction to cause investigation on prima facie case. - (1) Where the Central Authority is of the
opinion that a prima facie case exists, the Secretary shall convey the directions of the Central Authority within seven
days of the receipt of the order of the Central Authority to the Director General to investigate the matter.
(2) Where the Central Authority is of the opinion that such matter is to be dealt with by a Regulator
established under any other law for the time being in force, the Secretary shall refer such matter to the concerned
Regulator along with the report of the preliminary inquiry and the reasons for such referral are to be recorded in
writing and the matter shall be considered to be closed for the purposes of the Central Authority.
(3) A direction of investigation to the Director General under sub-regulation (1) shall be deemed to be the
commencement of an investigation under sub- section (1) of section 19 of the Act.
6. Communication of order when no prima facie case found. - If the Central Authority is of the opinion that
there is no prima facie case, the Secretary shall send a copy of the order of the Central Authority regarding closure of
the matter forthwith to the Central Government or the person who provided information or filed a complaint in the
matter, as the case may be.
7. Investigation by the Director General. - (1) The Secretary while conveying the directions of the Central
Authority under regulation 5, shall send to the Director General:-
(a) a copy of the information, complaint, or direction, as the case may be;
(b) all other documents or materials or affidavits or statements which have been filed either along with the
said information, complaint, or direction or at the time of the preliminary inquiry; and
(c) a copy of the report of the preliminary inquiry.
(2) The Central Authority shall direct the Director General to submit a report on the basis of the investigation
conducted by him within such time as may be specified by the Central Authority which ordinarily shall not
exceedthirty days from the date of receipt of the directions of the Central Authority.
(3) The Central Authority may, on an application by the Director General giving sufficient reasons, extend
the time for submission of the report within such period as it may consider reasonable.
(4) The report of the Director General shall contain his findings on each of the allegations made in the
information, complaint or direction, as the case may be, together with all evidence or documents or statement or
analyse collected during the investigation:
Provided that when necessary, the Director General may, for maintaining confidentiality, submit his report in
two parts, one of which shall contain the documents to which access may be accorded to the Central Government or
the person who provided information or filed a complaint in the matter, and the other part, which shall contain
confidential and commercially sensitive information and documents to which access may be partially or totally
restricted.
(5) Two copies of the report of the Director General, along with a soft copy in document format, shall be
forwarded to the Secretary within the time specified by the Central Authority:
Provided that the Secretary may ask for more copies of the report as and when required.
(6) If the Central Authority, upon consideration of the report, is of the opinion that further investigation is
called for, it may direct the Director General to make further investigation and submit a supplementary report on
specific issues within such time as may be specified by the Central Authority, but not later than forty-five days.
ANUPAM MISHRA, Commissioner
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./508/2021-22]
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