India once had a powerful consumer movement that shaped landmark laws like the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. But over the years, judicial delays, regulatory capture and weakening class action mechanisms have diluted its impact.

Now, Artificial Intelligence is being positioned as the next big hope — from AI-powered helplines and chatbots like Grahak-Nyay, to fraud detection systems and fake review clean-ups. Refunds are rising. Complaints are easier to file. Technology is improving access.

But is AI truly empowering consumers — or simply making systems more efficient without delivering justice?

In this incisive analysis, Sucheta Dalal examines whether AI can revive consumer protection in India — or whether without judicial reform, enforceable regulation and empowered consumer organisations, technology will end up serving corporations more than citizens.

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