Consumer Protection Act 1986

One of the most important milestones in the consumer movement in the country has been the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 to better protect the interest of the consumers.

The Act provides for a separate three-tier quasi-judicial consumer dispute redressal machinery, popularly known as consumer courts, at the national, state and district levels to provide simple, speedy and free redressal against consumers’ complaints. Filing of a simple complaint on plain paper with the details of the case with supporting documents seeking relief or compensation is enough and it is not obligatory to engage alawyer.

According to the objects and purposes of the Consumer Protection Act, these quasi-judicial bodies observe the principles of natural justice while adjudicating consumer complaints against defective goods, deficient services and restrictive and unfair trade practices through summary trials. The Act applies to all goods and services and covers all sectors, whether private, public or cooperative.

Amendments
The Act was amended in 1991 mainly to incorporate provisions for the quorum of District Forum, appointing persons to preside over State Commission/District Forum in case of absence of the President to enable the court function uninterruptedly. In 1993 the Act was again amended exhaustively to make it more effective and purposeful.

The Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2001 among other things addresses the issues of quicker disposal of complaints, widening the scope of the Act, strengthening the Consumer Courts. It is also proposed to establish a consumer protection council in every district in order to strengthen the consumer movement at the grassroot level.

Definition's According Act