FAIR COMPETITION: CONSUMER PROTECTION UNDER COMPETITION LAW AND CONSUMER POLICY IN INDIA

Abstract

Equitable competition and consumer safeguarding are essential foundations of a robust and effective market economy. In India, competition law and consumer policy are essential for protecting consumer interests and ensuring equitable conditions for enterprises. The Competition Act of 2002 and India's ever-changing consumer policy environment are used as case studies in this essay, which investigates the manner in which Indian competition law integrates the interests of consumers with the principles of fair competition. It examines how competition legislation inhibits anti-competitive actions; including price-fixing, market manipulation, and monopolistic conduct, while safeguarding consumers from exploitation. The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 is the subject of this article, which examines the legislation that was passed in 2019 to protect consumers and their rights. The legislation includes provisions such as the formation of consumer tribunals and the regulation of internet commerce. This paper provides a detailed overview of India's efforts to reconcile commercial interests with consumer welfare by examining the regulatory strategies and obstacles encountered in the implementation of these laws. The paper emphasizes the need of a strong legislative framework to foster fair competition, safeguard consumer rights, and guarantee the sustainable expansion of India's economy in an equitable way.