4.
The answer is: B
Explanation
The Consumer Protection Act was enacted in 1986. This act was a significant legislative development aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers in India. It was introduced to address various issues and concerns related to unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, and the exploitation of consumers by businesses.
The primary objective of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, is to provide consumers with effective and accessible means to seek redressal for grievances against defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices, and other consumer-related issues. The act established consumer courts or consumer dispute redressal forums at different levels to provide speedy and inexpensive resolution of consumer disputes.
The act emphasizes the following key aspects:
Rights of Consumers: The act defines and protects various rights of consumers, including the right to safety, right to information, right to choose, right to be heard, and right to seek redressal.
Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums: The act establishes three-tier consumer dispute redressal forums at the district, state, and national levels. These forums are commonly known as District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, respectively.
Jurisdiction: The act defines the jurisdiction of these forums based on the value of the goods or services and the location of the parties involved in the dispute.
Complaints and Compensation: Consumers can file complaints with these forums for issues related to defective products, deficient services, unfair trade practices, and more. These forums have the authority to award compensation, order replacements, or direct businesses to rectify the deficiencies.
Penalties: The act also includes provisions for penalties to be imposed on businesses that engage in unfair trade practices, provide false or misleading advertisements, or violate consumer rights.
Consumer Awareness: The act encourages the promotion of consumer education and awareness to empower consumers to make informed decisions.
Overall, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, aims to provide a legal framework that empowers consumers and holds businesses accountable for their actions while ensuring the fair and just resolution of consumer disputes. It has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of consumer rights and protection in India.