By virtue of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, the Central Government has established the Central Consumer Protection Council. The Central Council consists of the Minister in charge of the consumer affairs in the Central Government as Chairman, and such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as prescribed by the Central Government. The Consumer Protection Act has authorised the Central Government to make rules as to the composition of the Central Council. The objects of the Central Council shall be to promote and protect the rights of the consumers such as the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property; the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services, as the case may be so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices. The Central Council shall meet as and when necessary, but at least one meeting of the Council shall be held every year. The Act also empowers the States to establish State Consumer Protection Councils to promote and protect within the State the rights of the consumers. The State Council shall consist of the members, namely, the Minister in-charge of consumer affairs in the State Government who shall be its Chairman and such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed by the State Government.
The Act further provides that the State Government shall establish a District Consumer Protection Council for every district in pursuance to the aforesaid objectives.
