Consumer Protection Act Section 16 — Power of District Collector

CHAPTER III CENRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY

Civil

Summary

The District Collector (known by different names in different states) has the power to look into or investigate complaints about violations of consumer rights. This can happen either when someone files a complaint directly, or when the Central Authority or the Commissioner of a regional office refers a matter to the Collector. The inquiry or investigation can cover issues such as violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements, but only within the Collector's own jurisdiction.

After completing the inquiry or investigation, the District Collector must submit a report about the findings. This report goes either to the Central Authority or to the Commissioner of the regional office, depending on who referred the matter or initiated the process.

Official Text

The District Collector (by whatever name called) may, on a complaint or on a reference made to him by the Central Authority or the Commissioner of a regional office, inquire into or investigate complaints regarding violation of rights of consumers as a class, on matters relating to violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements, within his jurisdiction and submit his report to the Central Authority or to the Commissioner of a regional office, as the case may be.