What is the rationale behind the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986?
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Solution
The enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, popularly known as COPRA was the major step taken in 1986 by the Indian government.
Sellers were indulging in many unfair practices which led to the rise of consumer movement by the dissatisfied customers.
To protect the consumers from the exploitation in the marketplace, there was no legal system available.
In the 1960s, the consumer movement started rising in an organised form due to the rampant adulteration of edible oil and food, black marketing, hoarding, and rampant food shortages.
Holding exhibitions and writing articles were largely the methods used till the 1970s, by the consumer organisations.
To look into the malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding of public road transports, consumer groups were formed.
In the recent past, India saw a big rise in the number of consumer groups.
Due to the above mentioned efforts, the Government was forced to bring in legislation to protect the consumers from unfair business practices.