Consumer Protection Act, 1986 | |
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Parliament of India | |
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Citation | Act No. 68 of 1986 |
Territorial extent | Whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir |
Enacted by | Parliament of India |
Enacted | 24 December 1986 |
Assented to by | President Zail Singh |
Assented to | 24 December 1986 |
Commenced |
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Repealed | 20 July 2020 and 24 July 2020 |
Amended by | |
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Repealed by | |
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | |
Status: Repealed |
Consumer Protection Act 1986 (COPRA) was an Act by the Parliament of India aimed at protecting the interests of consumers in India. It was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It was made for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer's dispute and matters connected with it.
Consumer rights in India were historically overlooked, leading to rampant exploitation of consumers by businesses. This necessitated the creation of a robust legislation to protect consumers from unfair practices, hence the 'Consumer Protection Act, 1986' was introduced.
This Act is regarded as the 'Magna Carta' in the field of consumer protection for checking unfair trade practices, ‘defects in goods’ and ‘deficiencies in services’ as far as India is concerned. It has led to the establishment of a widespread network of consumer forums and appellate courts all over India. It has significantly impacted how businesses approach consumers and have empowered consumers to a greater extent. [1]
Consumer Protection Councils are established at the national, state and district level to increase consumer awareness. They guide consumers on how to file cases in the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. [2]
To increase the awareness of consumers, there are many consumer organization and NGOs that have been established. Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI) was the first consumer organization established in India in 1966; It was followed by many others such as:
The objectives of the Central Council are to promote and protect the rights of the consumers such as:-
Consumer courts do not have jurisdiction over matters where services or goods were bought for a commercial purpose. [4]
Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the State Commission shall have jurisdiction:-