Question

Why was the Consumer Protection Act passed?

Answer 1

The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 was a significant step towards protecting consumers' interests. The provisions of the Act took effect on July 1, 1987. The Act respects consumers' rights to safety, information, choice, hearing, redressal and education. Consumer protection councils exist at both the central and state levels across all states and union territories. The key features of the Act are as follows: 

1. Applies to all products and services unless the Union Government expressly waives it.
2. Includes all industries, whether they are cooperative, public, or private.
3. The Act contains provisions that are compensatory in character. Stated otherwise, the Act provides consumers with an extra remedy beyond those that they may be entitled to under the terms of other current laws, and they retain the freedom to select the remedy of their choosing.
4. It protects the consumer's rights to representation, safety, information, choice, remedy, and consumer education.
5. Enable customers to demand the abolition of specific unfair and restrictive trade practices, service flaws or shortcomings, service interruptions, or the removal of dangerous products from the market.