Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986
After the growth and expansion of international trade and the industrial revolution which brought on the development in the industrial sector of the country, the number of goods and services in the Indian market increased which helped to satisfy the growing needs of the consumers. Along with this, many other services like finance, insurance, electricity, housing, etc. were made available for the consumers.
As a result of these growing numbers of services made available for the consumers, the demand increased which in turn led to the increase in production. To meet the increasing demand similar products were produced by different manufacturers which made it hard for the consumers to make a choice. Such products were also subject to defects in manufacturing which compromised their quality. Hence, it became necessary to protect the consumers from defective products and maltreatment from the manufacturers.
With the aim of providing protection to the interests of the consumers, the consumer protection bill was introduced in the Lok sabha on 5th December 1986. This consumer protection bill,1986 then became the consumer protection act, 1986 after being passed by the houses of parliament on 24th December 1986.
What is the Consumer Protection Act, 1986?
The growth of industrial sector and trade made it possible for the consumers to select from a variety of products and services which were made available in the local market. However, this also made it necessary to protect the consumers from recieving defected and hazardous goods and also protect them from potential fraud. With the aim to do so, the consumer protection act of 1986 was implemented.
Before the consumer protection act, there was no bill introduced which worked towards protecting the consumer rights. Consumer protection act, 1986 worked strictly towards protecting the rights of consumers which are as follows- - The right to be protected against harmful and hazardous goods. - The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, purity, standard and price of the goods and services which are sold to them. - The right to be heard and assured that their interests are a priotity. - The right to choose and have access to a variety of goods and services. - The right to have knowledge of all the laws and regulations related to the consumer. - The right to redressal which means the consumer can seek compensation if they have been exploited by the seller in terms of quality, qauntity, purity or price of the products.
The consumer has an important role to play in the consumer protection act as this act is based on doctrine of caveat emptor, which means that the consumer has the responsibility of identifying defects in the goods and services.
