CONSUMER RIGHTS
MEANING :
Consumer rights are a set of rights governed by the law that allows
customers to have the necessary information about goods and services
while purchasing.
CONSUMER IN MARKETPLACE :
In the market consumer plays a significant role. In a market , there is a lot
of competition because manufacturers want consumers to purchase their
goods. Once a company’s service reaches the market, the consumer plays
a part in the feedback data collection. The company is required to monitor
outcomes and actively monitor consumer needs after formulating the
research strategy and launching the product or service, so that they can
improve the service.
CONSUMER MOVEMENT IN INDIA :
The consumer movement as a "social force" in India arose from the need to
safeguard and promote consumer’s interests against unethical and unfair
trade practices. As a result of all these efforts, the Indian government took
a huge step forward in 1986. It is responsible for enforcing the Consumer
Protection Act of 1986, also known as COPRA.
CONSUMER RIGHTS :
1. Right to Safety: Many goods and services can endanger our lives and
cause major harm if not handled appropriately. Given the gravity of the
situation, ensuring one's safety is critical. Producers must adhere to strict
rules and regulations in order to maintain safety standards. Despite the
regulation, it is poorly implemented, allowing defective products to
continue to dominate the market. The consumer movement is likewise
insufficient to combat these issues.
2. Right to be informed: We frequently discover printed information on the
things we buy, or it comes in the form of a manual. All of this is detailed in
the products or services since consumers have a right to know about the
commodities they purchase. Consumers can request a refund or
replacement if a product does not conform to the information supplied.
The Right to Information Act (RTI), which makes all public offices in India
responsible to any person, was recently enacted as a much larger statute
known as the RTI Act.
3. Right to choose: The consumer has the option of selecting the product
to be purchased. He cannot be forced to purchase something that he does
not want. This means that we can acquire various things from various
sources without being obligated to buy a specific combination. Nobody can
force oneself to purchase something that is not necessary.
4. Right to seek redressal: If a consumer has been exploited by a producer,
he has the right to seek a remedy. He has the right to be paid by the
producer/trader if the product causes him harm.
5. Right to represent: If a dispute between the customer and the seller
cannot be resolved, the customer may seek remedy through the local
consumer court. If his district court representation is dismissed, he can
appeal to the state level, then to the federal level.
CONSUMER FORUM :
Consumer forums are voluntary organisations. Consumer forums will help
consumers to file cases in consumer courts. Consumer forums are various
organisations which were formed as a result of the consumer movement in
India. To create awareness among consumers about consumer rights,
Governments give financial assistance to consumer forums. Consumer
forums also represent the individual consumers in the consumer courts.
Consumer forums are also known as consumer protection councils.
CONSUMER COURTS :
Consumer Court is a special purpose court in India. It primarily deals with
consumer-related disputes, conflicts, and grievances. The court holds
hearings to adjudicate these disputes.
When consumers file a case, the court primarily looks to see if they can
prove the exploitation through evidence such as bills or purchase memos.
In cases where no such evidence is presented, courts rarely rule in favour of
the plaintiff. The Court mostly decides its verdict based on the violations of
Consumer Rights(if any). The point of having a separate forum for
consumer disputes is to ensure that such disputes are speedily resolved
and make it less expensive.
NATIONAL CONSUMERS DAY :
India celebrates National Consumer Rights Day on 24th December every
year to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. This
day commemorates the day when the Consumer Protection Act received
the assent of the President on 24th December 1986 and came into force.
Since then, National Consumer Rights Day is celebrated each year to
educate people about their rights as consumers.
CASE :
Case - 1 :
Case - 2 :
CONCLUSION :
● The primary goal is to ensure that consumers get good value for their
money in terms of goods and services.
● Consumers have the right to be free of hazardous goods and services
that jeopardise their lives and property.
● The customer has a right to know about the quantity, consistency,
purity, strength, and quality of goods and services.
● Furthermore, consumers must pay reasonable rates for the goods
they purchase.