The Supreme Court ruled that advocates cannot be held liable under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 for deficiency in service.

❖ The court ruled that a complaint to this effect against an advocate was not maintainable before a consumer forum.

❖ The court also indicated that its 1996 decision that held medical professionals accountable under the Consumer Protection Act may need to be revisited.

❖ As per the SC, CP Act, 1986 as re-enacted in 2019 was to provide protection to the consumers from the unfair trade practices and unethical business practices only.

❖ There is nothing on record to suggest the Legislature ever intended to include the Professions or the Professionals within the purview of the Act.

❖ Advocates must be liable under civil/criminal law, not consumer law.