The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, was a landmark piece of legislation in India designed to safeguard the rights of consumers and ensure fair trade practices. Here are the key rights provided to consumers under the Act:

1. Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. This includes ensuring that products meet safety standards and are free from defects.
2. Right to Information: Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods and services. This information must be provided in a manner that helps consumers make informed decisions.
3. Right to Choose: Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. This means they should not be forced to accept inferior or substandard products due to lack of alternatives.
4. Right to Be Heard: Consumers have the right to be heard and to have their grievances redressed. This involves being able to file complaints and seek redressal through various consumer forums and grievance redressal mechanisms.
5. Right to Seek Redressal: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. The Act provides for the establishment of consumer redressal forums (District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission) to address grievances and disputes.
6. Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to be educated about their rights and responsibilities. This includes awareness about their rights under the Act, how to file complaints, and the procedures involved.

The Act also empowers consumers to take legal action against unfair trade practices, defective goods, and deficient services. It established a three-tier system of consumer redressal forums to address disputes and provide justice. Over time, the Consumer Protection Act has evolved, including significant updates in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which introduced additional provisions and mechanisms for consumer protection.