(i)The Central Government enacted a comprehensive law called the Consumer Protection Act in 1986.
(ii) This Act came into force with effect from 15.04.1987. This Act was further amended in 1993.
(iii)The Act is referred in short as 'COPRA'.
(iv) The act provides safeguards to consumers against defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices and other forms of their exploitation.

'Caveat emptor' is a Latin term which means "let the buyer beware." In other words, the principle of caveat emptor serves as a warning to the buyers that they have no recourse with the seller if the product does not meet their expectations.

(i) Mixing of stones with grains.
(ii) Mixing of coconut oil with palmolein.
(iii) Coffee powder is adulterated with tamarind seed.
(iv) Chilli powder is adulterated with brick powder.

i) Government should assure an active role in safeguarding the consumers.
ii) Government both the central and the state have brought out a number of legislations to protect the interest of consumers across the country.
iii) Despite the existence of legal system to protect the consumers, consumers in India are still illiterate and passive.
iv) Law enforcement authorities should see that penal clause is not mere paper jaws they should string the offenders mercilessly. 

The importance of consumerism lies in
(i)  Awakening and uniting consumers.
(ii) Discouraging unfair trade practices.
(iii) Protecting against exploitation.
(iv) Awakening the government.
( v) Effective implementation of consumer protection laws.
 

(i) There are certain situations where the shop-keepers put up the board 'No Stock' in front of their shops, even though there is plenty of stock in the store.
(ii) In such situations consumers who are desperate to buy such goods have to pay hefty price to buy those goods and thus earning more profit unconscientiously.
(iii) Even in Cinema houses, board may hang in the main entrance 'House Full' while cinema tickets will be freely available at a higher price in the black market.

(Objectives of United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection)
i) To assist countries in achieving or maintaining adequate protection for their population as consumers.
ii) To facilitate production and distribution patterns responsive to the needs and desires of consumers.
iii) To encourage high levels of ethical conduct for those engaged in the production and distribution of goods and services to consumers.
iv) To assist countries in curbing abusive business practices by all enterprises at the national and international levels which adversely affect consumers.
v) To facilitate the developing of independent consumer groups
vi)To further international co-operation in the field of consumer protection.
vii) To encourage the development of market conditions which provide consumers with greater choice at lower prices.

Following are the objectives of consumer protection Act, 1986
(i) Protection of consumers against marketing of goods which are hazardous and dangerous to life and property of consumers.
(ii) Providing correct and complete information about quality, quantity, purity, price and standard of goods purchased by consumers.
(iii) Protecting consumers from unfair trade practices of traders.
(iv) Empowering consumers to seek redressal against exploitation.
(v) Educating the consumer of their rights and duties.
(vi) Ensuring better standard of living for consumers by providing them with quality products at fair price.