The Centre for Consumer Law is a specialised academic centre actively involved in furthering the cause of consumer welfare and hassle-free access to justice for consumers. In the 21st century, where consumers are not only pitted against the big tech-giants but also face various other grievances emanating from the new tech-world, they find themselves utterly helpless and devoid of any redressal mechanisms. The centre strives to bridge this gap by actively engaging the interests of the students towards policy-oriented study and extensive research in the field of consumer issues and the associated jurisprudence.
The centre, in its pursuits of consumer welfare, has previously worked closely with the State Government of Odisha in drafting the rules for State of Odisha under Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It involved legal luminaries’ academic discourses, webinars, certificate courses, essay writing competitions, and other learning avenues. The centre has tightened its belt to take its legacy to even newer heights in the coming years, with fascinating learning opportunities on its cards and contributing the best to consumer welfare and access to justice.
Vision and Mission
The Centre’s vision is to enhance access to legal justice for consumers, especially when facing powerful corporate entities in disputes. The Centre aims to narrow this gap and support the underprivileged litigants. Moreover, it strives to offer university students practical experience, ensuring a comprehensive educational journey aligned with real-world challenges in consumer law.
Objectives of the Centre:
To engage in research and provide support to the government in shaping policies related to consumer law.
To raise awareness among marginalized segments of society about their rights as
Organizing workshops, certificate courses, and guest lectures at NLUO with the aim of enhancing student awareness.
Activities / Events / Research Activities
Date: 2-3rd April, 2019 . Event: Two Day Certificate Course on “Consumer Justice in the Era of Globalization.” About: The Course was conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R. Patil, Chair Professor, Chair on Consumer Law and Practice, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru and Director, Online Consumer Mediation Centre (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India) who specializes in Consumer Laws and has immense teaching and research expertise in Consumer Rights and Protection laws. The course, designed by experts, focused on the importance and applications of consumer laws in a globalized market. Over two days, the certificate course aimed to deliberate on the efficacy of consumer justice. By the end, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject and had the opportunity to explore ways to enhance current consumer laws and practices.Targeted at students, legal practitioners, researchers, academicians, and NGOs, the course provided an updated perspective on substantial changes in consumer jurisprudence. Through informative lectures, presentations, and exercises, participants applied the topics in practical scenarios and received guidance on their rights and obligations.Date: 4th October 2018 to 19th January 2019 Event: Intra-University Essay Writing Competition. About the Event: The Centre for Consumer Law at National Law University Odisha successfully organised the 1st Intra-University Essay Writing Competition. The competition aimed to foster awareness and interest in Consumer Protection Laws among students. The essay focused on “Consumer Protection and Service Sectors”, with sub-themes like finance, medical, insurance, and hospitality. The competition received an overwhelming response, underwent a thorough review process, and awarded winners with cash prizes, certificates, and acknowledgments. The event served as a valuable platform for students to delve into consumer law implications across diverse service sectors, enriching both participants and the Centre members.Date: 24th and 25th October 2019 Event: Two-day Workshop on “Consumer Welfare Framing on Draft Rules on Consumer Protection Act, 2019” About the Event: The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Centre for Consumer Law, National Law University Odisha conducted an event aimed to raise awareness about consumer rights and remedies while delving into various themes such as the 2019 Act overview, unfair trade practices, product liability etc. Stakeholders provided insights to inform model rules for Odisha and emphasized the role of the Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding consumers’ interestsDate: 01st February 2019 : National law University Odisha organised a Brain Stroming Session on Odisha Direct Selling Guidelines,2017 in collaboration with Department of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha and PLR Chambers, New Delhi. The programme was attended by Mr Jyoti Lakra, DCA cum Additional secretary, Department of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Government of Odisha (on behalf of the Ministry) ,Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Professor and HOD Department of Law and Management at UPES School of Law Mr. Aditya Rao, Partner, PLR Chambers , Mr. Aymen Mohad, Expert on Direct Selling , Ms. Chitralekha Dass, Senior Associate PLR Chambers, Dr. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Registrar, National Law University Odisha, Dr. Anup Kumar Pattnaik, Visiting Faculty, National Law University Odisha Mr. Mayank Tiwari, Assistant Professor of Law, National Law University Odisha, Ms. Sudatta Barik, Ms. Rashmi Rekha Baug and Students of National Law University Odisha. The programme focused on the issues of Direct Selling Guidelines issued by State of Odisha.Project: Drafted Consumer Protection Rules 2019, which has been adopted by the State of Odisha. : After the introduction of the new Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Centre for Consumer Law at the National Law University Odisha actively assisted the State Government of Odisha in developing the updated State Consumer Protection Bill. The Centre was in constant touch with the Minister of Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department of the Odisha Government, as well as other prominent consumer protection activists in the country. The Centre developed draft rules for the state, which were submitted to the concerned department for implementation.Date: 5th December 2020 : National-level webinar was organized by the Centre in association with the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Government of Odisha on 5th December 2020 on the topic “Consumer Protection 2019 as a Landmark statute for the protection of Consumers” to spread awareness among the students regarding the same. The programme witnessed the presence of Shri Ranendra Pratap Swain, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, FS&CW Department and Corporations, Government of Odisha and other experts from the field of Consumer protection.Date: 27th & 28th September 2021 : The event, featuring experts like Shri Rajendra Pratap Swain, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, FS&CW Department and Corporations, Government of Odisha and Hon’ble Justice Gita Mittal, Former Chief Justice, J&K High Court explored consumer law and mediation’s importance. Diverse participants, including legal professionals, government officials, and activists, engaged in enriching discussions, contributing ideas for consumer protection’s advancement. The workshop ended on a positive note, leaving both speakers and participants appreciative of the insightful sessions.Date: 26th to 31st December 2021 : The objective of the programme was to impart all necessary skills and techniques to the participants for conducting mediation. The methodology of the training includes role plays, problem-based learning, group discussion – in short, doing by learning. Mediation is a skill and technique better learnt through training and experience. The training also focused on assessment through observation by the resource persons during exercises. It was conducted with an objective to enable the participants to pursue a career in mediation.Date: 15th March 2023 : The Centre for Consumer Law, in collaboration with the Federation of Consumer Organizations Odisha, hosted a conference on World Consumer Rights Day at NLUO Campus. The conference, themed “Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transitions,” featured distinguished speakers addressing the intersection of consumer rights and energy sustainability. Keynote addresses was delivered by notable figures including the President of the Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dean of the Department of Law at Allahabad University; President of the Federation of Consumer Organizations Odisha; and members of the Odisha State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Distinguished speakers shared their insights, discussing the pivotal role consumer play in steering the energy transition. A dynamic Question and Answer Session provided a platform for engaging discussions on the challenges and opportunities presented by this evolving landscape.Date: 12th and 13th August, 2023 : Under the aegis of Project Kutumb, NLUO – Centre for Consumer Law (CFCL) visited four villages adopted by the University i.e. Valmiki Nagar, Babatilaka Nagar, Brajabeharipur (Talasahi) and Brajabeharipur (Upar Sahi). In accordance with the Centre’s mission to promote awareness and protect the rights of consumers, a two-day field visit was conducted by the Centre for Consumer Law on 12th August and 13th August, 2023. The objective of the visit was to aware villagers about their consumer rights. The visit was conducted under the guidance Dr. Mayank Tiwari, Director, NLUO-CFCL and Dr. Sudatta Barik, Co-Director, CFCL where the student members performed skits and engaged in interaction with the villagers. The villagers were also made aware about precautions need to be taken at the time of purchasing goods and availing services. All discussions were made in simple language with the help of real-life examples in reference to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and rules thereunder.Date: 12-14th January 2024. The ‘Three Days Capacity Building Training Programme for the Members of Commission to Strengthen Justice Delivery System in Consumer Commissions’, was organised by the Centre for Consumer Laws, National Law University Odisha (NLUO) in Collaboration with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi from 12th to 14th January, 2024.
Our Team
Dr. Mayank Tiwari
Director
Dr. Sudatta Barik
Co Directors
Advisory Board Members
Prof. (Dr.) Ashok R Patil
Vice-Chancellor,NUSRL, Ranchi
Dr. Sushila
Associate Professor Research Director, Centre for Study of Consumer Law & Policy Project Director, Chair on Consumer Law, National Law University Delhi
Justice (Dr.) D.P. Choudhury
Former President, Odisha State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Former Judge, High Court of Orissa, Cuttack
Prof. Dr. Suresh Misra
Chair Professor (Consumer Affairs) and Coordinator, Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA
Students
DIPANKAR CHOWDHURY (2nd Year [3 Year LL.b]) – COORDINATOR
GUNJAN RAMCHANDANI (3rd Year) – CO- COORDINATOR
TARU JAIN (1st Year) – MEMBER
ARUNDHATI VASUDEVAN (1st Year) – MEMBER
VANSHAJ MEDIRATTA (1st Year- 3 Year LL.B) – MEMBER
ANKIT MALLIK (1st Year- 3 Year LL.B) – MEMBER
