The consumer movement in India originated as a social force due to the necessity of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices. The movement was born out of widespread dissatisfaction among consumers due to rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, and adulteration of food and edible oil. There was no legal system available to protect consumers from exploitation in the marketplace.

In the 1960s, the consumer movement emerged in an organised form. Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. They formed consumer groups to look into malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in road passenger transport. These efforts helped create awareness among people.

At the international level, the United Nations adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection in 1985. This became a tool for nations to adopt measures to protect consumers. Today, Consumers International serves as an umbrella body with over 200 member organisations from over 100 countries.

A major step was taken in 1986 when the Indian government enacted the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA). India observes 24 December as National Consumers' Day to commemorate this enactment. India is one of the countries that have exclusive authority for consumer redressal.

Currently, the movement has made progress with more than 2000 consumer groups in the country, though only about 50-60 are well organised and recognised for their work. The movement succeeded in shifting the responsibility of ensuring quality of goods and services onto the sellers.