Consumer Protection

A consumer is the one who buys any goods, commodities, or services for their consideration or specific use. This does not include reselling a commodity for commercial purposes. It is also the same for the availability of any service. The service can not be used for any commercial purposes. This means that they do not count as a consumer for that purpose. The need for consumer protection is common for every consumer in India. Due to the widespread practice of cheating, reselling, and smuggling, it has become exceedingly easy to trick consumers into falling prey to the various malpractices of the market. 

Consumer Protection 

Consumer protection refers to the protection of consumers against all ill practices that various dealers or manufacturers employ in and around the country. Due to this, the consumers are always at a loss. They may end up buying products that have expired or pay a higher price than usual for the goods or commodities that they are purchasing. The need for consumer protection has increased immensely in the past few years. This will establish the rights of the consumer and help them enjoy better rights in terms of buying and selling products in the market. 

Why Do We Need Consumer Protection? 

From the Consumer’s Perspective

• It will make the consumers more aware of the rights that they can exercise towards the market. It is often seen that most consumers have no idea about their rights and duties. This makes it very easy for fraudsters to trick them into believing what they want.
• It is necessary to organise all the consumers of the nation and help them see their goals.
• There is a lot of exploitation employed towards India’s consumers. To avoid it, consumer protection is needed. 

From the Business Perspective 

• It is the responsibility of any business to ensure that their consumers are free from exploitation, defective or damaged goods, black market, adulteration, misleading information, and so on. Protecting consumers is a must for that.
• Since a business makes use of the resources present in society, it should try and give back to it.
• A business should provide the best possible goods at effective prices. 

What is the Consumer Protection Act? 

A Consumer Protection Act was passed in 1986 to identify the various rights and duties of the consumers. This ensured that the consumers could live a stress-free life and purchase goods without worrying about anything else. This act was updated in the year 2019. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 still makes use of the same rights that were stated earlier. 

There are six basic rights that are listed under this. They are:

• Right to be Informed 

This right emphasises that consumers must be fully informed or aware of the products or goods they are purchasing. They have full rights over gaining any information that they want. 

• Right to Choose

Every consumer has the right to choose between different options for the commodities they’re buying. No one can force the consumer to buy any goods. 

• Right to Seek Redressal 

If the goods or products fail to meet the expectations of the consumers, then they can get a replacement or refund for their defective or damaged goods. They have complete rights over seeking relief in such a situation.

• Right to Safety

Consumers have full rights over the protection from any products that are dangerous to health. They should buy items that have safety marks, such as ISI, hallmark, and so on. 

• Right to be Heard 

Every consumer has the right to get their case heard in court. They can file a complaint if the consumer has any problems with the goods they have purchased.

• Right to Consumer Education 

Every consumer has the full right to be fully aware and informed about all the duties and responsibilities that are related to them. The Government of India has even included it in the curriculum of students so that they’re educated about the right to safe consumer rights at an early age itself. 

Who Can File a Complaint Under the Consumer Protection Act? 

A complaint can be filed against the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 if: 

• You’re a consumer;
• You’re a part of the state or central government;
• You’re a part of any registration consumer association;
• You’re part of the central authority;
• You’re the heir or relative of a deceased consumer;
• One or two consumers represent a group of consumers with similar interests;
• If you’re underage, your parent or legal guardian can file a complaint.

What are the Rules of Consumer Organisations in India? 

There are several rules and regulations that the consumer rights in India oblige by. The government of India has set up many such relevant institutions that work towards the welfare of the consumers.

These associations are given the following tasks: 

• To file complaints on behalf of a consumer or group of consumers;
• To spread consumer awareness and educate the consumers about their rights and duties’
• To bring out various brochures and journals with consumer education;
• To collect various data and analytics related to the products and goods;
• To spread awareness among women and children about consumer rights.

Conclusion 

We’ve walked you through the various rights and duties that every consumer has exercised through this article. There are six rights under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019: the Right to Safety, Right to be Heard, Right to Seek Redressal, Right to Consumer Education, Right to Choose, and Right to Be Informed. These rights are always customised for the welfare and well-being of the consumers so that they are always aware of them. The Government of India has set up many government institutions and organisations that work towards establishing the basic rules and regulations for the consumers of India.