Consumer Law In India
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 came into force on 24th December 1986 for the better protection of the interests of the consumers in India. In order to achieve its objective, it provides for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities who will settle consumers’ disputes and matters connected to that.
- This Act has revolutionized consumer’s interest in the country. 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 a lawyer.
- 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.