The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) operates under which Act?

The Correct answer is Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Key Points

• The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) operates under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
• The Act was enacted to provide better protection of consumer interests and to establish consumer councils and authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes.
• The NCDRC is a quasi-judicial body at the national level, established in 1988 under the provisions of the Act.
• The primary function of the NCDRC is to address consumer grievances and ensure the enforcement of consumer rights.
• It handles cases where the value of goods, services, or compensation claimed exceeds ₹1 crore.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, introduced the concept of a three-tier consumer dispute redressal mechanism, which includes:
  • District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF) at the district level.
  • State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) at the state level.
  • National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) at the national level.
• The Act was a significant milestone in India's legal framework to promote consumer rights, including the right to safety, information, choice, representation, redressal, and education.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which came into effect in July 2020. However, the NCDRC continues to function under the principles established in the 1986 Act.