Table of Contents

Section 6(1): 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.

Composition of the State Consumer Protection Council [Section 6(2)]

Section 6(2) provides that the State Council shall be an advisory council and consist of the following members, namely: —

  1. the Minister-in-charge of Consumer Affairs in the State Government who shall be the Chairperson;
  2. such number of other official or non-official members representing such interests as may be prescribed;
  3. such number of other official or non-official members, not exceeding ten, as may be nominated by the Central Government.

Meeting of State Council

  • Section 6(3): The State Council shall meet as and when necessary but not less than two meetings shall be held every year.
  • Section 6(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

Objective of the State Consumer Protection Council (Section 7)

Section 7: The objectives of every State Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of consumer rights under this Act within the State.  It focuses on protecting consumers against hazardous goods, unfair trade practices, and ensuring access to information and redressal mechanisms at the state level.

Key Objectives:

  1. Protection of Rights: To protect consumer rights, including the right to safety, information, choice, and redressal.
  2. Advisory Role: To advise the State Government on policies promoting and protecting consumer rights within their jurisdiction.
  3. Ensuring Quality/Safety: To protect consumers from the marketing of hazardous goods and services.
  4. Unfair Trade Practices: To curb unfair and deceptive trade practices. 

These objectives are designed to align state-level actions with the overall goals of the central Consumer Protection Act, focusing on consumer education and empowerment.