On March 15, 1962, US President John F Kennedy made a historical speech about consumer rights as he introduced 'The Consumer Bill of Rights' in the US Congress. Ever since, countries all over the world have celebrated March 15 as the Consumers’ Day. However, in India December 24 is celebrated as the National Consumer Day since the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted on this day by the Indian Parliament

The Consumer movement was founded in 1974 by Dr.Rajiv Taranath, Dinamalar Shri.R.Krishnamurthy, Shri.M.Meeenakshi Sundaram and Shri S.Pushpavanam. Originally it functioned in the name of consumer council. In 1979, it was registered as a Voluntary Consumer Organization - Consumer Protection Council. The Council is registered as a society under Society's Registration Act and also under Monopolies  and Restrictive Practices Commission New Delhi. It has 14 branches all over Tamil Nadu. The First State Level conference of consumer activists organized in 1987 by this Council led to the spread of the movement in Tamil Nadu.

..........Consumer Education

We educate the consumers on their rights and help them exercise their rights. The council meets monthly. We give Lectures, Radio talks, TV interviews press releases and articles in the press. We publish a bulletin now and then. With the help of an Overhead projector, we conduct rural consumer education camps.

..........Consumer Research

 On important issues, we conduct surveys and research to assess consumer acceptance to products and standards

..........Lobbying

Since we are members in several bodies, we lobby for solution to various consumer problems. We actively take part in the meetings of Civil Supply Commissioner, District Collector, Electricity Board, DC. Transport Corporation and in several bodies where we are invited. Besides, whenever necessary, we meet the district, state and Union Ministers and officials, MLPs and MLAs and promote consumer’s causes.

..........Direct Action

Depending on the importance of issues, whenever need arises, we organize processions, agitations. We did so, to protest against petrol hike, superfast surcharge, bad roads etc.

..........Product Testing

We frequently test products/services on complaints and publish the results showing their quality/quantity. We have conducted tests to measure Toothpaste quantity, Battery quality, noise pollution and food adulteration.

..........Legal Action

We resort to legal remedy for issues that could be solved only through legal action. We have filed cases demanding interest on deposits by gas consumers, and demanding norms for Superfast sur-charge. After the advent of Consumer Protection Act, we have filed several cases before the District Fora, State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission and National Commission. Priority in telephone connection for consumer organization and compensation for negligence by Railways have been obtained. 

..........Complaints Handling

We handle 300 complaints anually. We offer guidance and counsel to consumers in person and over telephone on redressing their grievances themselves. Lakhs of rupees have been refunded to consumers and compensations paid, through the efforts of the Council.