What is consumer movement in long …

In India, the consumer movement as a ‘social force’ originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices. Because of all these efforts, a significant initiative was taken in 1986 by the Indian government. It has implemented the Consumer Protection Act 1986, popularly known as COPRA.

Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations, known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils. They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court.

COPRA, a three-tier quasi judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes.

• The district-level court called District Forum, which deals with the cases involving claims up to Rs 20 lakh
• The state level court called State Commission, which deals with the cases involving claims between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 1 crore.
• The national level court is known as the National Commission, which deals with cases involving claims exceeding Rs 1 crore. If a case is dismissed in district-level court, a consumer can also appeal in the state and subsequently in national-level courts.