Question

Consumer rights and structure of consumer courts in india

Answer 1

On March 15, 1962, US President John F Kennedy made a historical speech about consumer rights as he introduced ‘The Consumer Bill of Rights’ in the US Congress. Ever since, countries all over the world have celebrated March 15 as the Consumers’ Day.In India,Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted on December 24by the Indian Parliament. So Dec 24th is celebrated as the National Consumer Day.Even though strong and clear laws exist in India to protect consumer rights, The real condition of Indian consumers could be declared as completely dismal. Very few consumers know their rights or understand their basic consumer rights. And many of them are scared of approaching the judiciary. It is important, as consumers, we know our basic rights and about the courts and procedures that deals with the infringement of our rights.

*.Right to safetyThe right to be protected from all types of hazardous goods and services
*.Right to InformationThe right to be fully informed about the performance and quality of all goods and services
*.Right to ChooseThe right to free choice of goods and services*.Right to be HeardThe right to be heard in all decision-making processes related to consumer interests
*.Right to RedressalThe right to seek redressal, whenever consumer rights have been infringed
*.Right to Consumer EducationThe right to complete consumer education

Answer 2

We buy a variety of goods and services in our day to day life and derive satisfaction from its consumption and use. Thus we all are consumers, and as a consumer, we expect a certain value for money, that is, right quality, right quantity, right prices, information about the product, etc.

However, in the present day, we end up being harassed and cheated by market giants very often.

In early days, unfair trade was almost impossible with limited wants and a conservative style of living. However, today, with increased industrial revolution, liberalisation and globalisation, our wants have increased manifold and this has given plenty of scope for malpractices.

There are many ways by which consumers are exploited. A few of them are:

A. Selling at higher prices -- The price charged for the product will not be proportionate to the quality;

B. Product risk -- Drugs that are hazardous, banned or beyond expiry date, electrical appliances with inadequate safety precautions, etc;