Sections 6-9 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Sections 6 and 7 set up a State Consumer Protection Council in every State; sections 8 and 9 set up a District Consumer Protection Council in every district. Both are advisory bodies that meet at least twice a year and exist to advise on promoting and protecting consumer rights in their area. They do not hear complaints. If you are working out which body can help with a grievance, a legal consultation can sort that out quickly.
Every State Government establishes a State Council by notification (6(1)). It is advisory, chaired by the Minister-in-charge of Consumer Affairs in the State, with prescribed members and up to ten members nominated by the Central Government (6(2)). The State Government also establishes a District Council for every district (8(1)), chaired by the Collector of the district (8(2)(a)). Each Council meets not less than two times every year (6(3), 8(3)). Their objects are to advise on promotion and protection of consumer rights within the State or district (7, 9).
Sections 6 to 9 at a glance
| Section | Body | Subject | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6(1) | State Council | Establishment | Every State Government, by notification, for the State |
| 6(2) | State Council | Members | Minister as Chairperson; prescribed members; up to ten Central nominees |
| 6(3), 6(4) | State Council | Meetings | At least two a year; time, place and procedure |
| 7 | State Council | Objects | Advice on consumer rights within the State |
| 8(1) | District Council | Establishment | State Government, by notification, for every district |
| 8(2) | District Council | Members | Collector as Chairperson; prescribed members |
| 8(3), 8(4) | District Council | Meetings | At least two a year; time and place within the district |
| 9 | District Council | Objects | Advice on consumer rights within the district |
Section 6: the State Consumer Protection Council
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." As with the Central Council, the word is "shall", and the date comes from the State's own notification, which the Act does not print. For the Central body, see our article on sections 3-5.
Section 6(2): composition. The State Council "shall be an advisory council and consist of" three limbs:
- (a) the Minister-in-charge of Consumer Affairs in the State Government, who is the Chairperson;
- (b) such number of other official or non-official members, representing such interests, as may be prescribed;
- (c) such number of other official or non-official members, not exceeding ten, as may be nominated by the Central Government.
Limb (c) is the notable feature. The Central Government nominates, and the ceiling is ten. Limb (b) is left to the rules, so this article gives no number for it. Which rules apply (the Central Government's or the State Government's) depends on the definition of "prescribed" in section 2(32), which allows either, as the case may be. The Act does not say which body prescribes this particular number.
Section 6(3) and (4): meetings. The State Council "shall meet as and when necessary but not less than two meetings shall be held every year". The Chairperson fixes the time and place and the procedure for business is "as may be prescribed". Compare the Central Council's minimum of one meeting.
Section 7: objects of the State Council
"The objects of every State Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of consumer rights under this Act within the State." Note the words "within the State". The State Council is confined to its own State, and its function is advice, as with the Central Council.
Section 8: the District Consumer Protection Council
Section 8(1). "The State Government shall, by notification, establish for every District with effect from such date as it may specify in such notification, a District Consumer Protection Council to be known as the District Council." Unlike the State Council, which is set up by "every State Government" for its State, the District Councils are set up by the State Government "for every District". So one State may have many District Councils.
Section 8(2): composition. The District Council is an advisory council and consists of:
- (a) the Collector of the district (by whatever name called), who is the Chairperson; and
- (b) such number of other official and non-official members, representing such interests, as may be prescribed.
The Collector chairs it. "By whatever name called" recognises that the office has different names in different States. Note the small difference in wording: section 6(2)(b) and 8(2)(b) say "official or non-official" and "official and non-official" respectively; this looks like a drafting variation with no apparent difference in meaning, and we flag it only so readers do not read a distinction into it.
Section 8(3) and (4): meetings. The District Council "shall meet as and when necessary but not less than two meetings shall be held every year". It meets "at such time and place within the district as the Chairperson may think fit" and observes the prescribed procedure.
Section 9: objects of the District Council
"The objects of every District Council shall be to render advice on promotion and protection of consumer rights under this Act within the district." The same pattern again: advice, limited to the district.
| Feature | Central Council | State Council | District Council |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established by | Central Government | State Government | State Government |
| Chairperson | Minister, Department of Consumer Affairs | Minister, Consumer Affairs in the State | Collector of the district |
| Central nominees | Not mentioned | Up to ten | Not mentioned |
| Minimum meetings per year | One | Two | Two |
| Object | Advice, consumers' rights under the Act | Advice, within the State | Advice, within the district |
Example. A District Council chaired by the Collector meets twice in a year. Members from consumer groups report that many shops in the town do not issue bills. The Council can advise on promoting awareness of the right to be informed and protected. It cannot, under sections 8 and 9, fine a shopkeeper. Not issuing a bill is dealt with as an unfair trade practice under section 2(47)(vii), and a consumer affected would pursue it through a complaint; see our article on unfair trade practice.
What the sections leave out
The text does not give a term for members, a quorum, a reporting duty, a budget or a staff. It does not say that a Council's advice must be followed. It does not say how a consumer can place a matter before the Council. These matters, to the extent they are regulated, would be in the rules made under the Act.
Need help finding the right forum?
Councils advise; Commissions decide complaints. If you are unsure whether your matter belongs before a District Commission, a State Commission or an authority, we can help you map it. Speak to us through a legal consultation and bring your bill, contract and any replies from the other side.
Key takeaways
- Each State has a State Council set up by its State Government by notification (6(1)).
- The State Council is chaired by the State Minister for Consumer Affairs and may have up to ten Central nominees (6(2)).
- Each district has a District Council chaired by the Collector (8).
- Both Councils meet not less than twice a year (6(3), 8(3)).
- Both are advisory, with objects limited to the State or the district (7, 9).
Read next
- Sections 3-5: Central Consumer Protection Council
- Section 10: establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority
- Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions: District, State, National
- Section 28: establishment of District Consumer Commission
Disclaimer: Based on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as enacted, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Monetary limits, fees and procedure are set or revised by rules and regulations made under the Act and should be checked in their current form. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.