Consumer Protection Act

 Consumer Protection Act 1986 (Copra)

The consumer protection Act, 1986 (68 of 1986) is a milestone in the history of socio-economic legislation in the country. It is one of the most progressive and comprehensive piece of legislations enacted for the protection of consumers. It was enacted after in-depth study of consumer protection laws in a number of countries and in consultation with representatives of consumers, trade and industry and extensive discussions within the Government.

The main objective of the act is to provide for the better protection of consumers. Unlike existing laws which are punitive or preventive in nature, the provisions of this Act are compensatory in nature. The act is intended to provide simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumers' grievances, and relief of a specific nature and award of compensation wherever appropriate to the consumer. The act has been amended in 1993 both to extend its coverage and scope and to enhance the powers of the redressal machinery. It confers upon consumers eight rights i.e.: basic needs, safety, information, choice, representation, redress, consumer education, healthy environment. It provides remedies to the aggrieved customer in form Replace, Remove, Refund, Redress.

1. Merits of COPRA

· Simplicity, straightforwardness and inexpensiveness.

· Swift disposal of disputes.

· Comprehensible to layman.

· Easily accessible.

· Consumer welfare oriented.



.2. Loopholes in COPRA

Devoid of practibility- legal technicalities which need lawyers to deal with. 

Irregular functioning of consumer council. 

Constrained powers of judges’ i.e. magisterial powers (though enhanced by the amendment of 2003 but not yet implemented). 

No austere provision to dishearten proxy litigation.