The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 protects the interests of consumers in the market. This act contains the following definitions −

Definition 1 − “Appropriate laboratory” refers to a laboratory or organization which is

●      Recognized by the Central Government;

●      Recognized by a State Government,

●      Any laboratory or organization established under any law for the time being in force, which is maintained and financed or aided by the Central Government or a State Government for carrying out analysis or test of any goods for defects.

Definition 2 − “Complainant” refers to

●      A consumer

●      Any voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956

●      The Central Government or any State Government

●      Consumers having the same interest

Definition 3 − “Complaint” refers to any allegation in writing made by a complainant of

●      An unfair or restrictive trade practice

●      The goods bought suffering from defects

●      The services hired having deficiencies

●      Goods sold by a trader being in excess price

●      Goods hazardous to life and safety being sold by any trader

Definition 4 − “Consumer” refers to a person who

●      Buys any goods

●      Hires any service

Definition 5 − “Consumer dispute” refers to a dispute where a consumer make a complaint against a person and the person denies the allegations contained in the complaint.

●      “Defect” refers to any fault in the quality or quantity of any goods.

●      “Deficiency” refers to fault in the quality or quantity of any services.

●      “District Forum” refers to a Consumer Dispute Redressed Forum.

●      “Goods” refers to goods as defined in the Sale of Goods Act, 1930.

●      “Manufacturer” refers to a person who

ü  Makes and manufactures goods and parts

ü  Assembles goods made by other manufactures and claims the end product to be manufactured by him.

ü  Puts his trademark on commodities manufactured by other manufacturers and claims the commodities to be manufactured by him.

●      “National Commission” refers to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

●      “Notification” refers to a notification published in the Official Gazette.

●      “Prescribed” refers to prescribed rules made by the State Government or the Central government.

●      “Service” refers to service of any description, which is made available to potential users.

●      “State Commission” refers to a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission established in a State.

●      “Trader” refers to a person who sells or distributes any goods for sale, including the manufacturer.