CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT | Aims, Objective, Significance, Consumer Protection Council

INTRODUCTION

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted to provide for better protection of the interest of the consumers and for the purpose to make provisions for the establishment of Consumer Councils and other authorities in the settlement of consumer disputes and for matters connected therewith. It seeks, inter-alia, to promote and to protect the rights of consumers such as protection against marketing of goods which are hazardous to life and property, the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices, the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to variety of goods at competitive prices, the right to be heard and to be assured that the interest of consumers will receive due consideration at appropriate forums, the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers and right to consumer education. The object is also to provide speedy and simple redressal to consumer disputes-quasi judicial machinery is sought to be set up at District, State and Central Levels. These quasi-judicial bodies are to observe principles of natural justice and have been empowered to give relief of specific nature and to award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers. Penalties for non-compliance of orders given by quasi-judicial bodies have also been provided.

Aims & Objective:

The principal objective of the Consumer Protection Act is to grant shield for the improved safeguard to consumers. Unlike prevailing laws, which are disciplinary or precautionary in nature, the provisions of this Act are compensatory in nature. The act is aimed to afford simple, quick and economical redressal to the consumers’ grievances, and reliefs of a particular nature and award of damages wherever appropriate to the consumer.

The Consumer Protection Act has been revised in 1993 both to extend its coverage and scope and to augment the powers of the redressal. The fundamental rights of consumers as per the Consumer Protection Act are:

1.   Right to be shielded against promotion of goods and services which are risky to life and property

2.  Right to be conversant regarding the wholesomeness, standard ,quality, quantity, potency, and value of goods, or services so as to shield the buyer against unfair trade practices

3.   Right to be ensured,  access to range of goods and services at viable prices wherever possible

4.   Right to be informed and be ensured that consumers’ benefit will be given due consideration at appropriate level

5.   Right to search for redressal against unjust trade practices or restraining trade practices or deceitful exploitation of consumers

6.   Right to consumer education

The main objective of the Consumer Protection Act is to grant shield for the improved safeguard of consumers and their rights. Even though there is a prevailing Consumer Protection Act, it is still doubtful as to how far the objectives of the Act are  achieved. Still we see that Rights of consumers are ignored but we hope the government will surely take necessary actions in order to establish the proclaimed fundamental rights soon. Government must ensure consumers right to be conversant regarding the purity, standard ,quality, quantity, potency, and value of goods, or services so as to shield the buyer against unfair trade practices.

Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1986 to protect the interests of consumers in India. It makes provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith also.

Significance of the statute

This statute is regarded as the Magna Carta in the field of consumer protection for checking the unfair trade practices and ‘defect in goods’ and ‘deficiencies in services’ as far as India is concerned. It led to the establishment of a widespread network of consumer forums and appellate courts all over India. It has significantly impacted how businesses approach consumer complaints and empowered consumers to a great extent.

Consumer Protection Council

Consumer Protection Councils are established at the national, state and district level to increase consumer awareness.

The Central Consumer Protection Council

The Central Govt. shall by notification establish with effect from such date as it may specify in such notification a Council to be known as the Central Consumer Protection Council.

Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies

1.   District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF): Also known as the "District Forum" established by the State Government in each district of the State. The State Government may establish more than one District Forum in a district. It is a district level court that deals with cases valuing up to ₹2 million (US$31,000).

2.   State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): Also known as the "State Commission" established by the State Government in the State. It is a state level court that takes up cases valuing less than ₹10 million (US$160,000)

3.   National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Established by the Central Government.

SOURCES:

http://www.knowledgiate.com/objectives-of-consumer-protection-act/

http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/7831/11/11_chapter%203.pdf