Consumer Legislation

Consumer Legislation

i. The Indian Contract Act, 1872 was passed to bind the people on the promise made in the contract.

ii. The Sale of Goods Act, 1930: This Act protects consumers against sellers not complying with expressed and implied warranties in the sale contract.

iii. The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 protects the consumers against artificial shortages created by the sellers by hoarding the goods and thus selling the goods at high prices in black market in respect of essential commodities.

iv. The Agricultural Products Grading and Marketing Act, 1937 ensures the supply of agricultural commodities at high quality.

v. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 checks the adulteration of food articles and ensures purity of goods supplied and thus protects the health of consumers.

vi. Weights and Measures Act, 1976 protects the consumer against malpractices of underweight or under measurement. This Act has been replaced as the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

vii. The Trademark Act, 1999 prevents the use of fraudulent marks on the product.

viii. The Competition Act, 2002 protects the consumers against unhealthy competition.

ix. Indian Standard Institution (Certification marks) Act, 1952 (Now ISI is known as Bureau of Indian Standards) provides special marks to products fulfilling minimum quality standards and thus ensures supply of quality products to consumers.

x. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (advertisements) Act, 1954 prohibits advertisement of drugs and remedies claiming to have magical properties.

xi. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 ensures the safety of drugs and cosmetics sold in India.

xii. The Food Safety Standard Act, 2006 regulates the manufacture, storage, and distribution of food in safe and wholesome condition to consumers.

xiii. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 controls and prevents pollution in India.

xiv. The Public Liability Insurance act, 1991 provides immediate relief to persons affected by accidents securing while handling hazardous substance.

xv. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 prevents the production of narcotic drugs except for educational use.