The Consumer Protection Act was enacted in India in 1986 to protect consumers from exploitation and unfair trade practices. It establishes a three-tier system for expeditiously resolving consumer disputes - district forums, state commissions, and a national commission. The objectives of the act are to give better protection to consumer interests, rights, and enable redressal of complaints. It aims to make the consumer dispute process simple, quick and inexpensive. The act covers all goods and services and provides effective safeguards against unfair trade practices and defective products that can harm consumers.