The Consumer Protection Act of 1986, seeks to protect and promote the interests of consumers. The Act provides for the setting up of a three-tier machinery consisting of District Forums. State Commissions and the National Commission. It also provides for the formation of consumer protection councils in every district and state and at the apex level.
District Forum:
Structure: The District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum functions at the district level. It consists of a President and two other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the state government.
Power: A complaint can be made to the District Forum when the value of the goods or services in question, along with the compensation claimed, does not exceed 20 lakhs. On receiving the complaint, the District Forum shall refer the complaint to the party against whom the complaint is filled. If required, the goods shall be sent for testing in a laboratory. The District Forum shall pass an order after considering the test report. If the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the verdict of the District Forum. He can appeal before the State Commission within 30 days of the passing of the order.
State Commission:
Structure: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission functions at the state level. It consists of a President and not less than two other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the state government.
Power: A complaint can be made to the State Commission when the value of the goods or services in question, along with the compensation claimed, exceeds Rs. 20 lakhs, but does not exceed Rs.1 crore. The Commission shall pass an order after considering the test report from the laboratory. In case the grieved party is not satisfied, he can appear before the National Commission within 30 days of the passing of the order.
National Forum:
Structure: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission functions at the national, level. It consists of a President and at least 4 other members, one of whom should be a woman. They are all appointed by the Central Government.
Power: A complaint can be made to the National Commission when the value of the goods and services in question, along with the compensation claimed, exceeds Rs. 1 crore. The Commission passes the order after following the necessary procedures.
