Consumer Rights - Detailed Notes
Who is a Consumer?
- A consumer is a person who buys goods or services for personal use and not for resale or
manufacturing.
- Consumers play a vital role in the economy by influencing production and trade.
Consumer Rights (As per Consumer Protection Act, 2019):
1. Right to Safety:
- Protects consumers from hazardous goods and services.
- Example: Electrical appliances must have ISI mark to ensure safety.
2. Right to be Informed:
- Consumers have the right to complete information about the product (Price, Quality, Ingredients,
Expiry Date).
- Example: Food items should have FSSAI certification and detailed labels.
3. Right to Choose:
- Consumers have the freedom to select from a variety of products and brands.
- Prevents monopolies where only one company dominates the market.
4. Right to be Heard:
- Consumers can file complaints if they face any issues with products or services.
- Organizations like Consumer Courts, National Consumer Helpline (NCH) protect this right.
5. Right to Seek Redressal:
- If a product is defective, the consumer has the right to compensation, refund, or replacement.
- Example: A defective mobile phone must be replaced or repaired by the company.
6. Right to Consumer Education:
- Consumers must be educated about their rights, duties, and responsibilities.
- Government runs awareness campaigns like "Jago Grahak Jago".
Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
- Replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
- Covers e-commerce and misleading advertisements.
- Establishes a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for quick resolution of consumer
complaints.
- Protects against unfair trade practices, defective products, and misleading advertisements.
Consumer Awareness & Organizations:
1. Consumer Courts:
- Three Levels:
- District Consumer Court (Cases below Rs. 1 crore).
- State Consumer Court (Cases between Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 10 crore).
- National Consumer Court (Cases above Rs. 10 crore).
2. Quality Assurance Marks:
- ISI Mark: Industrial and electrical goods.
- AGMARK: Agricultural products.
- Hallmark: Gold and silver jewelry.
- FSSAI: Food safety certification.
3. Consumer Awareness Campaigns:
- "Jago Grahak Jago" is a Government initiative to inform consumers about their rights.
Consumer Responsibilities:
- Check labels, expiry dates, and certifications before buying.
- Demand a bill or receipt for proof of purchase.
- Report fraud, misleading ads, and unfair trade practices.
- Read and understand terms and conditions before buying a product or service.
Consumers should be aware of their rights and responsibilities to make informed decisions in the
market.