Consumer panel to replace MRTPC

The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) is likely to function for at least two more years after the Competition Commission becomes functional and may get a new lease of life by being converted into a Consumer Protection Commission.

"The MRTPC is likely to get two years to deal with the pending cases related to unfair trade practices. According to a ministry of consumer affairs' proposal, it may be converted into a Consumer Protection Commission to take up cases related to consumer protection," a ministry official said.

At present, the MRTPC has a backlog of about 2,000 cases.While the original plan was to wind up the MRTPC, the government has to tackle cases pending before the commission and to accommodate its employees.

It is not clear where the cases related to unfair trade practices will go, if the MRTPC is wound-up, as the Competition Commission will only take up cases related to monopoly and restrictive trade practices.

"Initially, the proposal was to absorb the employees into the new Competition Commission. But, it was felt that the purpose of creating a new body may be defeated, if the same people are entrusted with the task of implementing the new law," the official said.

According to the proposal, the employees will deal with pending cases and eventually they will be absorbed into the Consumer Protection Commission.

Further, the MRTPC cannot be immediately wound up as the Competition Commission will pursue competition advocacy in the initial period after the Competition Act is passed by Parliament. It will take up cases later.

The Consumer Protection Act will require amendments to provide for the Consumer Protection Commission, which is expected to take a while. The amendments to the Competition Act are expected to be introduced during the winter session of Parliament.