Business Law - Consumer Protection Act

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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 established 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 life 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 quality or quantity of any goods.
• "Deficiency" refers to fault in the quality 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 published 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 established in a State.
• "Trader" refers to a person who sells or distributes any goods for sale, including the manufacturer.