Due to illegal trading, black marketing, hoarding and rocketing prices in India, people became agitated which led to a widespread movement for consumer rights during the 1980s. This led to introduction of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, recently amended in 2002
As per the Act, if a consumer, aggrieved with the product he/she bought or services he/she was rendered; or if a consumer feels that his/ her consumer rights are being exploited; or in the case of black marketing or such related issues; denying the right to consumer education or right to choose; a customer can approach a consumer redressal forum.
The consumer can approach the forum by himself/herself even without the help of a legal counsel by paying a nominal fee.
The consumer can approach in the respective District Forum where:-
The consumer has the right to appeal against the verdict of District Forum to the State Commission.
Recently, a new bill was introduced in the parliament in the year 2015 called Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 and if passed by the legislature will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.