Section 19
Power of Central Authority to refer matter for investigation or to other Regulator.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
About this Act
An Act to provide for protection of the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto
(1) The
Central Authority may, after receiving any information or complaint or directions from the Central
Government or of its own motion, conduct or cause to be conducted a preliminary inquiry as to whether
there exists a prima facie case of violation of consumer rights or any unfair trade practice or any false or
misleading advertisement, by any person, which is prejudicial to the public interest or to the interests of
consumers and if it is satisfied that there exists a prima facie case, it shall cause investigation to be made
by the Director-General or by the District Collector.
(2) Where, after preliminary inquiry, the Central Authority is of the opinion that the matter is to be dealt with by a Regulator established under any other law for the time being in force, it may refer such matter to the concerned Regulator along with its report.
(3) For the purposes of investigation under sub-section (1), the Central Authority, the Director General or the District Collector may call upon a person referred to in sub-section (1) and also direct him to produce any document or record in his possession.
(2) Where, after preliminary inquiry, the Central Authority is of the opinion that the matter is to be dealt with by a Regulator established under any other law for the time being in force, it may refer such matter to the concerned Regulator along with its report.
(3) For the purposes of investigation under sub-section (1), the Central Authority, the Director General or the District Collector may call upon a person referred to in sub-section (1) and also direct him to produce any document or record in his possession.