Question

Analysis of the importance of the three-tier judicial machinery under the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA),1986 for redressal of consumer disputes.

Answer 1

Hint: The scope of the Act is very wide. It is applicable to all types of undertakings, small and big, whether in the public or private sector or in the co-operative sector, whether a trader or a manufacturer, and whether supplying goods or providing services. The Act allows certain rights to consumers with a view to empowering them and to protect their interests.

Complete step by step answer:
The Consumer Protection Act(COPRA) was passed in 1986 and it came into force in July 1987. The main purpose of the Act is to provide better and extensive protection to consumers and effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as unfair trade practices, defective goods, and deficient services. In 1986 a three-tier judicial machinery was set up under COPRA at the District, State, and National level for redressal of the consumer disputes. District level courts deal with cases involving up to Rs twenty lacs. State-level courts deal with cases between twenty lacs to one crore. National level courts deal with cases of more than one crore.
This three-tier judicial machinery helps to reduce the pressure on other courts. It helps to finish a case within 3 months. These district forum, state, and national consumer disputes redressal commissions empower people to fight against exploitation.
This act applies to all services, goods, and unfair trade practices unless specifically exempted by the central government. It covers all sectors-private, public, or cooperative. It provides recognition to the six rights of the consumers.

Note: There are 644 district forums in India. The district consumer forum consists of a President and two other members. There are 365 state commissions in India. Each state Commission consists of a President and not less than to other members. The National consumer disputes redressal commission has territorial jurisdiction over the whole country.