The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was enacted to protect the rights of consumers in India. It defines a consumer as someone who buys goods or uses services. The act established three levels of consumer courts - district forums for claims up to 20 lakh rupees, state commissions for claims from 20 lakhs to 1 crore, and a national commission for claims over 1 crore. It aims to protect consumers from unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices, and defective goods or services. A consumer can file a complaint under this act if they have a grievance.