Chapter II - Consumer Protection Councils
Section 4
Section 4: Procedure for meetings of Central Council
Section 4 sets a minimum annual meeting frequency and leaves place, time and business procedure to prescription.
On this page
Need advice on Section 4?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) The Central Council shall meet as and when necessary, but at least one meeting of the Council shall be held every year.
(2) The Central Council shall meet at such time and place as the Chairperson may think fit and shall observe such procedure in regard to the transaction of its business as may be prescribed.
Introduction
The Central Council meets as necessary, but at least once every year. The Chairperson decides the place and time, subject to the prescribed business procedure.
A meeting rule does not create direct enforcement or dispute-resolution power.
Key takeaways
Who and what it covers
The Central Council meets as necessary, but at least once every year. The Chairperson decides the place and time, subject to the prescribed business procedure.
Operational step
Record the meeting date against the at-least-once-a-year requirement.
Boundary
A meeting rule does not create direct enforcement or dispute-resolution power.
Purpose and trigger
The Central Council meets as necessary, but at least once every year. The Chairperson decides the place and time, subject to the prescribed business procedure.
Practical sequence
Record the meeting date against the at-least-once-a-year requirement.
- Record the meeting date against the at-least-once-a-year requirement.
- Use the prescribed meeting procedure for notice, agenda and transaction of business.
- Keep minutes and decisions aligned with the Council’s advisory role.
Limit and related provision
A meeting rule does not create direct enforcement or dispute-resolution power.
The text is the central Act. Check current rules, regulations and notifications where the section delegates a detail.
Hypothetical example
The Council secretariat schedules its annual meeting and checks the prescribed procedure before circulating the agenda.
Primary sources
The statutory wording is drawn from the official central Act and checked against the India Code consolidation. The commencement notice identifies when this provision took effect.
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the meeting date against the at-least-once-a-year requirement.
- Use the prescribed meeting procedure for notice, agenda and transaction of business.
- Keep minutes and decisions aligned with the Council’s advisory role.
Avoid
- Do not miss the statutory annual meeting minimum when planning Council business.
- A meeting rule does not create direct enforcement or dispute-resolution power.
Illustrative example
Section 4 in practice
The Council secretariat schedules its annual meeting and checks the prescribed procedure before circulating the agenda.
Identify the trigger
The Central Council meets as necessary, but at least once every year. The Chairperson decides the place and time, subject to the prescribed business procedure.
Gather evidence
Use the prescribed meeting procedure for notice, agenda and transaction of business.
Apply the limit
A meeting rule does not create direct enforcement or dispute-resolution power.
Outcome
- Keep minutes and decisions aligned with the Council’s advisory role.
Glossary
- Prescribed procedure
- Meeting rules made under the Act for transaction of Council business.
- Chairperson
- The Central Council officeholder who determines meeting place and time under section 4(2).
Frequently asked questions
How often must the Central Council meet?
At least one meeting must be held every year, with further meetings as necessary.
Who fixes a Central Council meeting’s place and time?
Its Chairperson, subject to the meeting procedure prescribed by rules.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026