Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1954.
It aims to:
Control the advertisement of drugs in certain cases.
Prohibit the advertisement for certain purposes of remedies alleged to possess magic qualities.
The Act defines a "drug" as any substance or preparation intended for use in the internal or external treatment of human ailments or disorders.
It also defines a "magic remedy" as any remedy which is alleged to possess qualities of supernatural or extraordinary nature.
The Act prohibits the advertisement of drugs and magic remedies for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders, including:
Sexual impotence
Infertility
Disorders of the nervous system
Disorders related to childbirth
Serious diseases and disorders
The Act also prohibits the advertisement of drugs and magic remedies that are:
False or misleading
Likely to deceive the public
The Act provides for penalties for violation of its provisions, including imprisonment and fine.
The Act is important for protecting public health by preventing the misleading advertisement of drugs and magic remedies.
It also helps to ensure that people are not exploited by claims of magical cures for serious diseases and disorders.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA) is a significant piece of legislation in India that aims to:
Empower consumers: The act emphasizes safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers by establishing various provisions and authorities to address their concerns effectively.
Promote fair trade practices: It discourages unfair trade practices by businesses that might harm consumers, ensuring a level playing field in the marketplace.
Establish redressal mechanisms: The act sets up a three-tier quasi-judicial system (District, State, and National Consumer Commissions) to resolve
consumer disputes efficiently and provide them with recourse.
Here's a summary of the key aspects of the CPA:
Established authorities: It establishes the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to regulate matters related to consumer rights violations, unfair trade practices, and misleading advertisements.
Consumer rights: The act recognizes eight fundamental rights of consumers, including the right to safety, information, choice, representation, redressal, fair and transparent conditions, education, and a healthy environment.
Prohibited activities: The act prohibits various unfair trade practices like misleading advertisements, denial of services, and unfair contract terms.
Product liability: It holds manufacturers and sellers liable for any harm caused by defective products or deficiencies in services.
Dispute resolution: The act outlines a mechanism for filing consumer complaints with Consumer Commissions for speedy and affordable resolution of disputes.
Penalties: The act prescribes penalties for violations by businesses, including imprisonment and fines.
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