What is Consumer Protection Act, 1986?

The Consumer Protection Act was passed in 1986 and it came into force from I July, 1987. The main objectives of the Act are to provide better and all round protection to consumers and effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices. It also makes provisions for simple, speedy and inexpensive machinery for redressal of consumer's grievances.

Salient Features

1. The salient features of Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986 are as follows
2. It applies to all goods, services and unfair trade practices unless specifically exempted by the Central Government.
3. It covers all sectors-private, public or co-operative.
4. It provides for establishment of consumer protection councils at the central, state and district levels to promote and protect the rights of consumers and a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery to deal with consumer's grievances and disputes.
5. It provides a statutory recognition to the six rights of consumers.