essay on consumer protection act
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Answer:
Consumer protection was not necessary when the world was younger and communities smaller. In the lifestyle of those times unfair trade was almost impossible. The industrial revolution and a shift of population from rural areas to towns and anonymity of urban living gave plenty of scope for malpractices.
In our country, buyers have a very weak bargaining power and cannot assert their right being heard. Consequently, manufacturers and traders are tempted to follow diverse practices which turn out to be unfair to consumers.
To check the onslaught on consumers, a host of legislations were enacted. These include Sale of Goods Act, 1930; Essential Commodities Act, 1955; Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954; Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980; Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956; Agricultural Products and Grading and Marketing Act (AGMARK), 1937; Indian Standards Bureau Certification Act, 1952; MRTP Act, 1969 etc.
Besides the applicability of the above legislations, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted which was substantially amended by the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, 1993 w.e.f. 18th June, 1993.