The Role of Mediation and its Working under Consumer Protection Act 2019
Author : B Usha Rani
Abstract :
Consumer protection act 1986 was replaced by consumer protection act 2019. Mediation cells are introduced by this new act. To solve the problem of pending cases which are day by day increasing in consumer courts, this new act introduced mediation cells. Not only Mediation cells, certain new provisions like central consumer-authority, product liability, E-commerce were introduced in this act. The mediation concept is deeply rooted in our ancient Indian era on words. Comparing to court proceeds Mediation is very quick, private, confidential, fair, and less expensive. This is a strong weapon in the hands of the disputed parties to solve the matter through mediation. Mediation is a process where both the parties agree to make settlement. It is an alternative, method of resolution of a dispute. It consists of consensual process where the third party like the mediator appointed by the court assists the disputed parties to get an acceptable resolution. The Mediator assists the disputed parties to identify their interests and needs, to clear the differences and find an agreement. But most of the states in India still have not properly established these mediation cells for the consumers.: “The Functional stages “of Mediation is incorporated in “Consumer Hand Book on Mediation 2021 “which were prepared by Ministry of consumer affairs, Food and public Distributors, Government of India on consumer law and practice.
Keywords :
Consumer protection act 2019, mediation, stages of mediation, arbitration vs. mediation
