The Consumer Protection Act, 1986

**is an endeavor by the Indian Government to safeguard the interests of the general public or consumers.

**The Act applies to all goods or movable properties and services, such as insurance, banking, transport and housing. The Act enshrines several rights of the consume, including right to safety, right to be heard, right to be informed, right to choose and right to seek redressal.

Consumer Protection Act: Understand your Rights
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A complaint can be filed under the Consumer Protection Act against a trader or service provider for unfair or restrictive trade practices, including:

1.Sale of defective or hazardous goods
2.Provision of inadequate services
3.Charge of a price higher than the maximum retail price (MRP)

Under the Consumer Protection Act, an individual may seek the following forms of reliefs:

* Repair or replacement of defective goods, or removal of the deficiency in service
*Refund of price paid for defective goods or inadequate service
*Refund of additional money charge
*Withdrawal of goods from the stock, which are hazardous to life or safety
*Compensation for the injury or loss suffered due to the trader or service provider’s negligence

Additionally, a consumer may also seek from the wrong-doer the expenses of filing and enforcing the complaint.

A complaint filed under the Consumer Protection Act is required under law to be settled within 90 days of issuing a notice to the opposite party. However, when a sample needs to be tested for judging the authenticity of a claim, the case may be pursued for up to 150 days.

by-nisha dolas