NLU Delhi Launches 5th Online Certificate Course on Consumer Law and Practice

The National Law University, Delhi (NLUD) has announced the 5th edition of its online certificate course on Consumer Law and Practice, scheduled for October 11–12, 2025. Conducted under the aegis of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, this initiative aims to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge of evolving aspects of consumer protection in India, especially in light of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The programme is open to various participants, including faculty members, researchers, advocates, undergraduate and postgraduate students, consumer rights activists, NGOs, and voluntary consumer organisations (VCOs). Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that early registrants secure their participation.

Course Objectives and Relevance

Consumer protection has emerged as a critical area in India’s legal and regulatory framework, particularly with the rise of digital markets, online transactions, and complex commercial practices. The NLUD certificate course aims to delve into consumer protection's practical and legal dimensions, offering participants both theoretical understanding and applied perspectives.

Key objectives of the course include:

• Understanding the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and its implementation across India.
• Exploring the role of regulatory authorities, including the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), in enforcing consumer rights.
• Examining challenges such as algorithmic bias, deceptive trade practices, and e-commerce irregularities.
• Developing awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, and their advantages over litigation.

The course provides a holistic view of consumer law enforcement, policy trends, and the evolving landscape of digital and cross-jurisdictional trade by focusing on these areas.

Course Structure and Key Themes

The two-day programme balances legal theory, case studies, and practical insights. Participants will engage with various topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage of contemporary consumer issues. The key themes include:

1. Salient Features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
   Participants will explore the Act's core provisions, including definitions, consumer rights, liabilities of manufacturers and service providers, and mechanisms for grievance redressal.
    
2. Role of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
   The course will examine the functioning of the CCPA, its powers of investigation, inquiries, and issuing injunctive actions to protect consumer interests.
    
3. Mediation as an Alternative Redress Mechanism
   The programme emphasizes mediation as an efficient and cost-effective method for resolving consumer disputes, offering participants insights into its practical application.
    
4. Consumer Issues in the Digital Economy
   Participants will learn about emerging challenges such as misleading advertising, influencer marketing, greenwashing, algorithmic transparency, fake reviews, and cybersecurity risks. The interplay of technology and consumer rights will be highlighted to understand regulatory responses.
    
5. Interplay Between Consumer Protection and Competition Law
   The course examines anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominance, and regulatory authority enforcement, providing a nuanced understanding of how consumer law intersects with competition regulations.
    
6. Recent Landmark Judgments and Policy Guidelines
   Participants will analyze notable case law, recent guidelines, and policy developments affecting consumer rights, particularly in digital commerce and cross-border transactions.
    
7. Sectoral Regulatory Perspectives
   Further sessions will discuss how sectoral regulators, including the Competition Commission of India (CCI), SEBI, TRAI, FSSAI, and IRDAI, intersect with consumer law to ensure compliance, protect public interest, and address emerging market challenges.

Eligibility and Registration Details

NLUD has opened registration to a broad audience of stakeholders invested in consumer protection. Eligible participants include:

• Faculty members and researchers in law and related fields
• Practicing advocates and legal professionals
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students of law and allied disciplines
• Consumer rights activists and NGOs
• Voluntary consumer organisations (VCOs)

The registration fee is ₹2,000 per participant and is non-refundable. To secure a seat, participants must submit the fee and upload a screenshot of the payment confirmation via the Google Form. The limited number of seats will be allotted strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, so timely registration is essential.

Registration Link: NLUD Consumer Law Course Form

Certification

Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate from the NLUD Chair on Consumer Law. This certificate formalizes their participation in and understanding of contemporary consumer law issues, enhancing their academic credentials and professional expertise.

Expert Guidance and Convenor

Dr. Sushila, Professor of Law at NLUD and Research Director of the Centre for Study of Consumer Law & Policy, will convene the course. She brings extensive expertise in consumer law, policy analysis, and regulatory affairs. Participants can contact her via email at consumerchair@nludelhi.ac.in or sushila@nludelhi.ac.in for further queries.

Importance of the Course in Today’s Context

Consumer protection has never been more critical than in the current digital and global marketplace. With the rise of e-commerce, algorithm-driven platforms, and cross-border trade, challenges such as misleading advertisements, dark patterns, cyber threats, and unfair trade practices are increasingly complex.

This course equips participants with the knowledge to navigate these challenges, understand regulatory frameworks, and advocate for consumer rights effectively. By combining legal theory, regulatory insights, and practical examples, NLUD ensures that participants are well-prepared to address modern consumer protection issues, whether legal professionals, researchers, or activists.

The programme also emphasizes mediation and alternative dispute resolution, reducing dependence on lengthy litigation and promoting faster resolution of consumer disputes, which is essential in today’s fast-paced commercial environment.

Conclusion

NLU Delhi’s 5th online certificate course on Consumer Law and Practice represents a significant opportunity for students, professionals, and activists interested in understanding and advancing consumer protection in India. With its comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and practical orientation, the course enhances legal knowledge and strengthens participants’ ability to engage with evolving challenges in digital trade, regulatory enforcement, and cross-jurisdictional consumer rights.