• Dr. A. Malleswari Devi
• Mrs. A. Devaki

ABSTRACT The Consumer Protection Act provides means to protect consumers from getting cheated or harassed by suppliers. The Act has provided a machinery whereby consumers can file their complaints which will be entertained by the Con¬sumer Forums with special powers so that action can be taken against erring suppliers and the possible compensation may be awarded to consumer for the hardships he has undergone. No court fee is required to be paid to these forums and there is no need to engage a lawyer to present the case. Consumer protection is linked to the idea of consumer rights, and to the formation of consumer organizations, which help consumers make better choices in the marketplace and get help with consumer complaints. In order to safeguard consumer interest, six consumer rights were initially envisioned by consumer rights activists of the West, namely: Right to Safety, Right to Information, Right to Choice, Right to be Heard, Right to Redress, Right to consumer education. The Consumer Councils are created to advise and assist the con¬sumers in seeking and enforcing their rights. We have Consumer Protection Councils both at Centre level and State level, that is one Central Council and many State Councils. These councils work towards the promotion and protection of consumers.

Key words: Consumer protection, consumer rights, consumer complaints, District Forum, State Commission, National Commission.

"Consumer Protection Act", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no.80-85, December-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1812210.pdf

"Consumer Protection Act", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 12, page no. pp80-85, December-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1812210.pdf