Question

What is the rationale behind the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Answer 1

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.