Question

Enumerate the various acts passed by the government of India which help in protection of consumers' interests.

Answer 1

Government of India has provided various laws and legislations to protect the interest of consumer and some of these regulations are:

1. The Consumer Protection Act 1986:

Enactment of Consumer protection Act 1986 was one of the most important steps taken to protect the interest of consumer. The provision of act came into force from July 1, 1987. The main features of this Act are:

(i) This act has provided various rights and responsibilities to consumers.

(ii) It provides safeguard to customers against defective goods, deficient’s, services, unfair trade practices and other forms of their exploitation.

(iii)The act has provided three tier redressal agencies where consumer can file complaints.

These are District forum, State Commission and National Commission.

2. The Contract Act 1982:

This Act is formed to bind people on their promises made in a contract. The Act also provides remedies available to parties in case of breach of contract.

3. The Sale of Goods Act 1930:

This act provides safeguard and relief to customers in case goods are not complying with the expressed conditions and warranty.

4. The Essential Commodities Act 1955:

This act is formed to control production, supply and distribution of essential commodities. It checks inflation and ensures smooth and equal supply of these goods. It also checks black marketing, hoarding.

5. The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act 1937:

This act is formed to assure quality of agricultural products. This Act provides grade standards for agricultural commodities. The quality mark which is supplied by this act is “AGMARK.” This mark is given only when goods are produced by following minimum standards.

6. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954:

This Act is formed to check Adulteration of food articles and ensure their purity so that the health of general public can be maintained.

7. The Standard of Weights and Measures Act 1976:

This Act provides protection to consumers against malpractices of underweight, under measure. The provision of this Act is applicable on those goods which are sold or distributed by weight and measure.

8. The Trade Mark Act 1999:

This Act prevents the use of fraudulent marks on products. This act is introduced in place of trade and merchandise mark act 1958.

9. The Competition Act 2002:

This Act is related to monopolies and restrictive trade practices Act 1969. This Act is formed to encourage healthy competition and protect consumers from companies which hamper competition.

10. The Bureau of Indian Standard Act 1986:

This Act is formed to provide special marks to products which fulfill some minimum quality standards. The common mark issued under this Act is ISI mark. This act has set up a grievance cell where consumer can make a complaint about a product which is not up to a quality mark and are having ISI mark.