Project on Consumer Rights – Highlighting the Impact of Advertisements on Consumers

Submitted by: Aryan Singh Class: 10 Subject: Social Science (Economics) Session: 2025-26

Acknowledgement: I am extremely grateful to my Social Science teacher for their guidance in

Certificate: This is to certify that Aryan Singh of Class 10 has successfully completed the project
work on the topic Consumer Rights – Highlighting the Impact of Advertisements on Consumers
under the guidance of the subject teacher during the academic session 2025–26.

Introduction: Consumers play a central role in the economy. Every person who buys goods or avails
services is a consumer. However, in many situations, consumers are exploited by sellers through
unfair means such as adulteration, false claims, and misleading advertisements. Consumer rights
are designed to safeguard people from such malpractices and ensure fair treatment in the
marketplace. Advertisements, while being informative and creative, sometimes manipulate
consumer emotions to influence their buying behavior. This project discusses the importance of
consumer rights, the responsibilities of consumers, and the impact of advertisements on consumer
choices.

Who is a Consumer? A consumer is any person who buys goods or services for personal use and
not for resale. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, even someone using a product with the
buyer’s consent is a consumer. Consumers are the driving force of demand and influence
production trends in an economy. Awareness of consumer rights empowers individuals to make
informed choices and avoid exploitation.

The Consumer Movement in India: The consumer movement in India began in the 1960s as a
response to unethical trade practices such as black marketing, hoarding, and adulteration. People
began to organize themselves to demand justice and fair trade. The turning point came in 1986 with
the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA). This act provided a legal framework for
the protection of consumers and established consumer courts for redressal of grievances. In 2019,
the act was revised to cover new areas such as online shopping, e-commerce, and misleading
advertisements.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a comprehensive law that
aims to safeguard the rights of consumers. It provides a simple and quick mechanism for resolving
disputes through consumer forums at district, state, and national levels. The Act also established
the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to regulate issues like unfair trade practices and
false advertising. It empowers consumers to file complaints online and seek compensation for
losses or damages caused by defective products or services.

The Six Rights of Consumers: 1. Right to Safety: Protection from goods and services that can harm
life or health. Example: Electrical items should have ISI certification. 2. Right to be Informed:
Consumers must be given correct and complete information about products—such as ingredients,
price, and expiry date. 3. Right to Choose: Consumers should have access to a variety of products
at fair prices without pressure or monopoly. 4. Right to be Heard: Consumer complaints and
opinions should be addressed fairly. 5. Right to Seek Redressal: The right to receive compensation
or replacement for defective goods or poor services. 6. Right to Consumer Education: Awareness
of consumer rights and responsibilities should be spread through education and media.

Responsibilities of Consumers: With rights come responsibilities. Consumers must: - Always check
expiry dates and product labels. - Keep purchase bills and receipts. - Compare products before
buying. - Avoid being influenced by false advertisements. - Report unfair trade practices or
defective goods. A responsible consumer not only safeguards their interests but also contributes to
a fair market environment.

Impact of Advertisements on Consumers: Advertisements are powerful tools of communication.

Positive Impacts: - Create awareness about new products and services. - Help consumers compare
features, prices, and benefits. - Promote healthy competition among companies.

Negative Impacts: - Mislead consumers with false claims or exaggerated benefits. - Create artificial
needs, leading to over-consumption. - Target vulnerable audiences, especially children. -
Encourage brand loyalty based on emotions rather than actual product quality.

Therefore, consumers must analyze advertisements critically and verify claims before making
purchases.

Case Studies of Misleading Advertisements: 1. Fairness Creams: Many cosmetic companies have
claimed instant fairness without scientific proof. These misleading claims were later banned by
advertising authorities. 2. Maggi Noodles (2015): Tests revealed high lead content, leading to a
nationwide recall. It was a major case of misleading advertisement and lack of safety compliance. 3.
Health Drinks: Some popular brands exaggerated their nutritional value, misleading parents into
believing they were essential for children’s growth.

These examples show why regulatory bodies and vigilant consumers are essential.

Role of Media in Consumer Awareness: Media acts as a bridge between consumers and society. It
exposes unfair practices, spreads awareness, and educates people about their rights. News
channels, social media platforms, and newspapers regularly feature consumer-related issues. The
‘Jago Grahak Jago’ campaign, for example, uses television and digital media to reach millions of
people and encourage responsible consumer behavior.

Consumer Awareness Campaigns: The government and various NGOs conduct awareness
programs to educate consumers. The ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ campaign launched by the Government
of India remains one of the most successful initiatives. It teaches citizens how to file complaints,
check product labels, and understand legal remedies. Schools and colleges also play an important
role by organizing debates, exhibitions, and projects on consumer protection.

Redressal Mechanism: To make justice accessible, the Consumer Protection Act established a
three-tier system: - District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (DCDRC): For claims up to
■50 lakh. - State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (SCDRC): For claims between ■50
lakh and ■2 crore. - National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC): For claims
exceeding ■2 crore.

Consumers can also file complaints online through the e-Daakhil portal without any lawyer. These
forums ensure that justice is delivered quickly and effectively.

Government’s Role in Consumer Protection: The government has a crucial role in protecting
consumer rights. It enforces laws, regulates advertisements, penalizes offenders, and spreads
awareness through campaigns. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) monitors
misleading ads and unfair practices. Apart from legal measures, the government collaborates with
NGOs and educational institutions to build a strong network of informed consumers.

Conclusion: Consumer rights ensure fairness and transparency in the marketplace. Being aware of
these rights protects individuals from exploitation and empowers them to make informed choices.
Advertisements, though influential, must be viewed with a critical eye. By being informed, alert, and
responsible, consumers can help create a marketplace that values honesty and fairness.
Bibliography: 1. NCERT Social Science – Economics Textbook (Class 10) 2. Consumer Protection
Act, 2019 3. Ministry of Consumer Affairs Website 4. [Link] 5. Newspaper
articles and online case studies on consumer awareness