RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What are the different sorts of legal work needed to be done so as to file the case in a
different forum ?
What is the hierarchy of different consumer redressal agencies and how their
functioning is related ?
Why does it is required for a consumer to have knowledge about consumer protection
act, 1986?
Is there effort on the part of the government to spread awareness regarding the rights
of consumers ?

HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis made by the researcher is that the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeks to
provide a redressal mechanism against trade practices or restrictive trade practices or
unscrupulous exploitation of consumer .The researcher also wants to show that government is
also making efforts so as to spread awareness .

INTRODUCTION

Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted in 1986 to protect
the interests of consumers in India. It makes provision for the establishment of consumer
councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters
connected therewith also.

This statue is regarded as the Magna Carta in the field of consumer protection for checking the
unfair trade practices and defect in goods and deficiencies in services as far as India is
concerned. It led to the establishment of a widespread network of consumer forums and
appellate courts all over India. It has significantly impacted how businesses approach consumer
complaints and empowered consumers to a great extent.1

When we approach the market as a consumer, we expect value for moneyi.eright quality, right
quantity, right prices, information about the mode of use, etc. But there may be instances
where a consumer is harassed or cheated.

1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Protection_Act,_1986
An Act to provide for the better protection of the interest of consumers and for that purpose to
make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the
settlement of consumer disputes and for matters connected therewith.
The consumer protection act ,1986 intends to regulate the marketing of goods and services to
consumers, as well as the relationship, transactions and agreements between the consumers
and the producers, suppliers ,distributors ,retailers, service providers and intermediaries of
those goods and services.
Secondly, the Government has to come to the rescue of the helpless consumer to prevent him
from being mislead, duped, cheated and exploited. It should also take special care of the
vulnerable sections. Governments should establish or maintain legal and or administrative
measures to enable or, as appropriate, relevant organizations to obtain redress through formal
or informal procedures that are expeditious, fair, inexpensive and accessible. Such procedures
should take particular account of the needs of low-income consumers.2

CONSUMER REDRESSAL AGENCIES

Introductory

Chapter Three of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is entitled to Consumer Disputes
Redressal Agencies. Sections 9 to 27-A contained in this chapter deal with the topics like the
establishment, composition, jurisdiction, manner and procedure for filing complaints under
the Act; the procedure relating to transfer of cases, filing of appeals; enforcement of orders of
the Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies; and dismissal of frivolous or vexations
complaints etc.etc. According to section 9, for the purposes of the Consumer Protection Act,
1986, three types of Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies shall be established. These three
agencies are as follows:
(I) Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum - Also known as District
Consumer Forum
(II) Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - Also known as the State
Commission
(III) National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - Also known as
the National Commission

2
http://getmbadone.blogspot.in/2014/04/project-report-on-consumer-protection.html
THE DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTE REDRESSAL COURT