Business Law - Consumer Protection Act

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 protects the interests of consumers in the market. This act contains the following definitions −

Definition 1 − "Appropriate laboratory" refers to a laboratory or organization which is

Recognized by the Central Government;

Recognized by a State Government,

Any laboratory or organization estabpshed under any law for the time being in force, which is maintained and financed or aided by the Central Government or a State Government for carrying out analysis or test of any goods for defects.

Definition 2 − “Complainant” refers to

A consumer

Any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956

The Central Government or any State Government

Consumers having the same interest

Definition 3 − "Complaint" refers to any allegation in writing made by a complainant of

An unfair or restrictive trade practice

The goods bought suffering from defects

The services hired having deficiencies

Goods sold by a trader being in excess price

Goods hazardous to pfe and safety being sold by any trader

Definition 4 − “Consumer” refers to a person who

Buys any goods

Hires any service

Definition 5 − “Consumer dispute” refers to a dispute where a consumer make a complaint against a person and the person denies the allegations contained in the complaint.

"Defect" refers to any fault in the quapty or quantity of any goods.

"Deficiency" refers to fault in the quapty or quantity of any services.

"District Forum" refers to a Consumer Dispute Redressed Forum.

"Goods" refers to goods as defined in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930.

"Manufacturer" refers to a person who

Makes and manufactures goods and parts

Assembles goods made by other manufactures and claims the end product to be manufactured by him.

Puts his trademark on commodities manufactured by other manufacturers and claims the commodities to be manufactured by him.

"National Commission" refers to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

"Notification" refers to a notification pubpshed in the Official Gazette.

"Prescribed" refers to prescribed rules made by the State Government or the Central government.

"Service" refers to service of any description, which is made available to potential users.

"State Commission" refers to a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission estabpshed in a State.

"Trader" refers to a person who sells or distributes any goods for sale, including the manufacturer.