Consumer Protection Councils (Consumer Protection Act Section 3 to Section 9)

1) Introduction - 

     Consumers have many options when it comes to consumer protection. One of the most important tools is a consumer protection council. A consumer protection council is a group of people who use their expertise and/or concern for consumers to protect them from harmful products or services. Section 3 to 9 of the Consumer Protection Act provides Consumer Protection Council. This Act was enacted to provide for the protection of the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 

2) Consumer Protection Councils - (Section 3 to Section 9) -

 Section 3 to Section 9 Provides Consumer Protection Council 

3) Central Consumer Protection Council. (Section 3) -

 According To Section 3(1) of the Said Act, The Central Government shall, by notification, establish with effect from such date as it may specify in that notification, the Central Consumer Protection Council to be known as the Central Council.

   (2) The Central Council shall be an advisory council and consist of the following members, namely:—

  (a) the Minister-in-charge of the Department of Consumer Affairs in the Central Government, who shall be the Chairperson; and

  (b) such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed.

4) Procedure for meetings of Central Council. (Section 4) - 

As per Section 4 (1)of the Consumer Protection Act, The Central Council shall meet as and when necessary, but at least one meeting of the Council shall be held every year.

   (2) The Central Council shall meet at such time and place as the Chairperson may think fit and shall observe such procedure in regard to the transaction of its business as may be prescribed.

5) Objects of Central Council. (Section 5) - 

  The objects of the Central Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of the consumers' rights under this Act.

6) State Consumer Protection Councils. (Section 6) - 

    As per Section 6 (1) of the said Act Every State Government shall, by notification, establish with effect from such date as it may specify in such notification, a State Consumer Protection Council for such State to be known as the State Council.

     (2) The State Council shall be an advisory council and consist of the following members, namely—

       (a) the Minister-in-charge of Consumer Affairs in the State Government who shall be the Chairperson;

       (b) such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed;

       (c) such number of other official or non-official members, not exceeding ten, as may be nominated by the Central Government.

    (3) The State Council shall meet as and when necessary but not less than two meetings shall be held every year.

    (4) The State Council shall meet at such time and place as the Chairperson may think fit and shall observe such procedure in regard to the transaction of its business, as may be prescribed.

7) Objects of State Council. (Section 7) - 

   Section 7 of theSaid Acts speak about Object of the State Council, As per said Section, The objects of every State Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of consumer rights under this Act within the State.

8) District Consumer Protection Council.(Section 8) - 

   According to Section 8 (1) of the said Act, The State Government shall, by notification, establish for every District with effect from such date as it may specify in such notification, a District Consumer Protection Council to be known as the District Council.

(2) The District Council shall be an advisory council and consist of the following members, namely:—

(a) the Collector of the district (by whatever name called), who shall be the Chairperson; and 

(b) such number of other official and non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed.

(3) The District Council shall meet as and when necessary but not less than two meetings shall be held every year.

(4) The District Council shall meet at such time and place within the district as the Chairperson may think fit and shall observe such procedure in regard to the transaction of its business as may be prescribed.

9) Objects of District Council. (Section 9) - 

Section 9 speaks about the objects of District Council, According to Section 9 of the Act, The objects of every District Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of consumer rights under this Act within the district. 

See Also...

What is Public Interest Litigation ? 

Types of Statute | Law of Interpretation of Statutes