A Study on Evolution of Consumer Protection Act in India - CPA 1986

ABSTRACT Consumer Protection is a Socio-economic activity that is to be carried out by government and business with a prime interest of consumer satisfaction. Consumer protection has been a part of the responsibilities of the rulers in India even before independence. But a formal consumer protection law, which purely focuses on consumer protection, was enacted in the year 1986. The consumer movement that flourished in the early and middle of the 20th century made the whole world focus on formulation of strong consumer Acts. United nation guidelines were the basis for formulation of consumer protection policies and measures in many developing countries including India. Consumer Protection Act 1986 (CPA 1986), which was passed in Parliament in 1986, is considered as one of the best Acts for consumer protection among its counterparts. This paper brings out the evolution of consumer protection in India, formulation of CPA 1986 and its implementation. Keywords: Consumer Protection, Consumer Protection Act 1989, UN guidelines, Consumer Movement.