Regulations explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
These regulations explain what happens inside the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) after it receives information, a complaint or a Central Government direction about a possible violation of consumer rights or an unfair trade practice. They cover the prima facie opinion, an optional preliminary inquiry, the direction to the Director General to investigate, closure or referral to another regulator, and the content and timing of the Director General's report.
The regulations are F. No. J-25/14/2020-CPU (CCPA) of 9 December 2021, made under section 15(5) read with clause (c) of section 104(2) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This article takes them as amended up to 3 October 2026 (no amendment listed by the Department or the CCPA). Later amendments should be checked on the website of the Department of Consumer Affairs or the CCPA. For the Act, see the articles on section 15 (Investigation Wing) and section 19 (preliminary inquiry and investigation).
The Central Authority "shall, as far as possible" record its opinion on a prima facie case within fifteen days. If it finds one, the Secretary conveys the direction to the Director General within seven days of receiving the order. The Director General's report is to be submitted within a time the Authority specifies, which ordinarily shall not exceed thirty days, extendable on sufficient reasons. A supplementary report may be ordered, not later than forty-five days. The report can be in two parts to protect confidential and commercially sensitive material.
Businesses facing a CCPA inquiry and complainants who want to know what follows after they report can ask for legal consultation before they respond or file.
Regulations 1 and 2: title and definitions
Regulation 1 gives the title and says the regulations come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. Regulation 2 defines the terms used, including the Central Authority (the Authority established under section 10 of the Act) and an officer of the Authority nominated by the Chief Commissioner. Words not defined take the meaning in the Act.
The steps at a glance
| Step | Regulation | What happens | Time stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3(1) | The Secretary places the information, complaint or Central Government direction before the Authority to form an opinion on a prima facie case | None stated |
| 2 | 3(2) | The Authority records its opinion on the existence of a prima facie case | As far as possible within fifteen days |
| 3 | 4 | Optional preliminary inquiry | None stated |
| 4a | 5(1) | If a prima facie case exists, the Secretary conveys the direction to the Director General to investigate | Within seven days of receipt of the Authority's order |
| 4b | 5(2) | If the matter is for another Regulator, the Secretary refers it with the preliminary inquiry report | None stated |
| 4c | 6 | If there is no prima facie case, the Secretary sends a copy of the closure order | Forthwith |
| 5 | 7(2) | The Director General submits the report | Time specified by the Authority, ordinarily not over thirty days from receipt of the directions |
| 6 | 7(6) | Supplementary report, if ordered | Not later than forty-five days |
Regulation 3: the prima facie opinion
After receiving information, a complaint or a direction from the Central Government, as referred to in section 19(1), the Secretary "may place or cause to be placed" it before the Authority to form its opinion on whether a prima facie case exists. The Authority, "as far as possible", records its opinion within fifteen days. The words "as far as possible" make the fifteen days a target rather than a hard limit.
Regulation 4: preliminary inquiry
The Authority "may, if it deems necessary", conduct or cause to be conducted a preliminary inquiry as to whether a prima facie case exists. It may call for any information or invite any person as necessary, and the inquiry "need not follow formal rules of procedure". So a person asked to supply information or attend should treat the request seriously, even though the inquiry is informal. The Act's penalty for non-compliance with CCPA directions is in sections 88 and 89; this article quotes no penalty.
Regulation 5: the outcome of the opinion
Investigation
If the Authority is of the opinion that a prima facie case exists, the Secretary conveys its directions to the Director General to investigate "within seven days of the receipt of the order of the Central Authority". Under 5(3), the direction to the Director General is deemed to be the commencement of an investigation under section 19(1) of the Act.
Referral to another Regulator
If the Authority thinks the matter is to be dealt with by a Regulator established under any other law in force, the Secretary refers it to that Regulator "along with the report of the preliminary inquiry". The reasons for the referral are recorded in writing, and the matter "shall be considered to be closed for the purposes of the Central Authority". The Act's provision on designated regulators is in the article on sections 23 and 24.
Regulation 6: no prima facie case
If the Authority finds no prima facie case, the Secretary sends "forthwith" a copy of the order regarding closure to the Central Government or to the person who provided the information or filed the complaint, as the case may be. A complainant therefore learns of closure through a copy of the order.
Regulation 7: investigation by the Director General
What the Director General receives: 7(1)
While conveying the direction, the Secretary sends the Director General a copy of the information, complaint or direction; all other documents, materials, affidavits or statements filed with it or at the preliminary inquiry; and a copy of the preliminary inquiry report.
Time for the report: 7(2) and 7(3)
The Authority directs the Director General to submit a report within such time as it specifies, "which ordinarily shall not exceed thirty days from the date of receipt of the directions". On an application by the Director General giving sufficient reasons, the Authority may extend the time "within such period as it may consider reasonable". The regulation prints no cap on the extension.
Content of the report: 7(4) and 7(5)
The report contains the Director General's findings on each allegation, with all evidence, documents, statements or analysis collected. The proviso allows a two-part report where necessary for confidentiality: one part contains documents to which access may be given to the Central Government or the person who provided the information or filed the complaint, and the other contains confidential and commercially sensitive information and documents to which access may be partially or totally restricted. Two copies of the report, with a soft copy in document format, go to the Secretary within the time specified, and the Secretary may ask for more copies.
Further investigation: 7(6)
If, on considering the report, the Authority thinks further investigation is called for, it may direct the Director General to investigate further and submit a supplementary report on specific issues within a time it specifies, "but not later than forty-five days".
An invented example: a complaint is filed against Zenith Gadgets about misleading claims in its online listings. The Secretary places it before the Authority, which records a prima facie opinion. The Secretary sends the direction to the Director General with the complaint papers within seven days of the order. The Director General reports on each allegation. Zenith's confidential pricing data goes in the restricted second part of the report. The Authority then decides whether more investigation is needed.
Why the timelines matter
The regulations use words that make some periods firm ("within seven days", "not later than forty-five days") and others soft ("as far as possible", "ordinarily"). A party should read the exact words before alleging delay.
Need help in a CCPA inquiry or investigation?
An inquiry or investigation can involve document requests, confidential submissions and short timelines. Our legal consultation team can review what has been asked, separate the confidential parts and prepare a structured response.
Key takeaways
- The Authority records its prima facie opinion, as far as possible, within fifteen days.
- A preliminary inquiry is optional and need not follow formal rules of procedure.
- The direction to the Director General goes within seven days of the Authority's order; this is deemed the commencement of an investigation under section 19(1).
- The Director General's report ordinarily should not exceed thirty days, with extension on sufficient reasons; a supplementary report must be not later than forty-five days.
- A two-part report protects confidential and commercially sensitive material.
- A matter for another Regulator is referred with reasons in writing and is closed for the Authority.
Read next
- CCPA establishment notification and Allocation and Transaction of Business Regulations, 2020
- Regulations 1–11 on the Engagement of Experts and Professionals, 2021
- Section 15: Investigation Wing of the CCPA
- Section 19: preliminary inquiry and investigation by the CCPA
Disclaimer: Based on the rules, regulations and guidelines named above as published in the Gazette of India or on the CCPA website, with the amending notifications the article names (consulted on 3 October 2026). Later amendments, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provisions referred to, State rules and CCPA advisories should be checked. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.