Assertion (A): The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeks to protect and promote the interests of consumers.
Reason (R): The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 also protects the interest of the consumers.

Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

The correct answer is Option 2: Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A

Assertion (A): The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeks to protect and promote the interests of consumers. This is correct. The Act provides safeguards to consumers against defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices, and other forms of their exploitation. The Act provides for the setting up of a three-tier machinery, consisting of District Forums, State Commissions and the National Commission. It also provides for the formation of consumer protection councils in every District and State, and at the apex level.

Reason (R): The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 also protects the interest of the consumers. This is correct. The Act aims at controlling production, supply and distribution of essential commodities, checking inflationary trend in their prices and ensuring equal distribution of essential commodities. The Act also provides for action against anti-social activities of profiteers, hoarders and blackmarketers.