Concept of a Consumer according to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Concept of Consumer according to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 aims to safeguard and promote customers interests by resolving their complaints in a timely and cost-effective manner. It covers the entire country of India. It applies to all sorts of enterprises, whether they are manufacturers or traders, and whether they sell goods or services, including e-commerce companies. Consumers are given particular rights under the Act in enabling them and protecting their interests. We all are consumers. It is critical for us to be knowledgeable and conscious consumers of the goods and services offered on the market.

What is the definition of a consumer?

A ‘consumer’ is defined as a person who utilises or consumes products or services. A consumer is defined as a person who buys products or receives services for a consideration that has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any delayed payment system, according to the definition of consumer under Consumer Protection Act 2019. It includes any user of such goods or recipient of services who does so with the buyer’s permission. Consumer Rights 

The Concept of Consumer according to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 gives consumers six rights.

The following are some of these rights:

Right to Safety

This refers to the right to be free from the marketing of products and services that risk life or property. The items and services they acquire should not only suit their current requirements, but also serve their long-term goals.. They should buy ISI, AGMARK, and other quality-marked items wherever possible.

Right to choose

Means the right to be guaranteed access to a diverse range of products and services at a reasonable cost whenever possible. It means the right to be guaranteed of adequate quality and service at a reasonable price in the event of monopolies.

Right to be informed

To protect consumers from unfair commercial practices, consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods. The consumer should insist on acquiring all available information about the product or service before making a choice or decision.

Right to consumer education

The right to acquire the knowledge and skills required to be a well-informed consumer at any time in one’s life. Consumer ignorance is mostly to fault for their exploitation, especially among rural clients. They should be aware of their rights and should be able to exercise it. Then and only then can true consumer protection be achieved.

Right to be heard

This indicates that consumer interests will be considered in relevant forums. It also includes the right to be represented in various forums intended to protect consumer interests. Consumers should form non-partisan, non-commercial consumer organisations to represent them on various government and non-governmental bodies dealing with consumer concerns.

Right to Seek redressal

In the case of unfair trade practices or consumer mistreatment, this term refers to the right to seek redress. It also includes a consumer’s right to a fair settlement of legitimate issues. If a customer has a real complaint, they must file it. Their critique may be little, yet it has a significant influence on society at large. They can also seek help from consumer organisations to solve their difficulties.

Consumer protection methodologies

Because a substantial percentage of customers in India are poor, ignorant, and uninformed of their rights, the consumer protection movement in India cannot be the same as in industrialised nations.

It must be a social movement in India, with people from all walks of life participating. The following are some of the consumer protection methods used in India:

Self Regulations by Business

Large corporations have realised that the only way to flourish and expand for a long time is to give consumers the attention they deserve. Socially responsible businesses adhere to quality standards and have established a customer grievances cell to handle consumer concerns.

 Business Associations

Various business organisations, such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), have drafted codes of conduct that outline how to engage with consumers.

 Consumer Awareness

It’s difficult to take advantage of a well-informed and informed consumer. Consumers should be well-informed about their rights, duties, and remedies under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 and 2019.

 Consumer Organizations

Consumer organisations play a critical role in informing consumers about their rights and responsibilities. These organisations also assist consumers in obtaining compensation in the event of exploitation.

Government

The Government of India has enacted a number of rules and regulations to safeguard consumers’ interests, the most notable of which being the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 and 2019. This statute established three levels of redress, namely the District Forum, the National Commission, and the State Commission.

Conclusion: 

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has proven to be a valuable resource for consumers, protecting them from being abused by large corporations and well-known merchants. Traders and businesses are still figuring out how to generate large profits, and one of the methods is to take advantage of consumers. As a result, the legislature and the judiciary make changes to the act from time to time, but the consumer must be vigilant and aware of the individuals in the market. The definition of the consumer under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is highlighted and explained properly which is must to know information for every consumer.