CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986

Introduction
The govt. of Indian had framed several laws to protect the consumers, some of these laws are: The essential commodities act 1955 The prevention of food adulteration act 1954 The standards of weight and measures act 1956 Indian standards institution certification act 1952 Inspite of these laws the consumers remained exploited. Therefore the govt. made this law CPA 1986

Objectives
Providing better protection of interest of consumers Providing for the establishment of consumer council and other authorities Settling consumer disputes and matters connected with it

Rights of consumers
Right to safety Right to be informed Right to choose Right to be heard Right to seek redressal

Consumer Redressal agencies

1. District forum 2. State commission 3. National commission:

DISTRICT FORUM
The state govt. shall set up a district forum in each district of the state. The district forum shall consist of A person who is. Or has been, or is qualified to be district judge nominated by the state govt. who shall be its president. A person of eminence in the field of education or trade A lady social worker The district forum can entertain the complaints where the value of goods or services and the compensation is less than Rs 20 lakhs

STATE COMMISSSION
A state commission shall be established in each state by the state govt. It will consist of 1. a person who is or has been judge of high court appointed by the state govt. who shall be its president 2. Two other members who shall be person of ability , integrity and standing and have adequate knowledge or experience of problems relating to economics, law , commerce, industry, public affairs or administration Value of claim is between 20 lakhs- 1 crore

NATIONAL COMMISSSION
1. A person who is or has been a judge of supreme court who shall be the president 2. two other members who shall be person of ability , integrity and standing and have adequate knowledge or experience of problems relating to economics, law , commerce, industry, public affairs or administration, one of them shall be a woman Compensation of goods is exceeding 1 crore

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT

The complainant or his agent can present the complaint in person. The complaint can also be sent by post to the appropriate forum. It should contain the following information: (a) The name, address and description of the complainant (b) the name, description and address of opposite part or parties (c) the facts related to the complaint and when and where it arose (d) Documents, if any, in support of the allegations contained in the complaint (e) The relief which the complainant is seeking The complaint should be signed by the complainant or his agent and minimum four copies of the complaint should be filled