Question

What is COPRA 1968 ? Mention its advantages to the consumers

Answer 1

The full form of COPRA is Consumer protection act Of 1968.

Consumers may now COMPLAIN .

It is an informal process and consumers may go directly to the Consumer Tribunal to lodge a complaint without the need for an expensive attorney.Consumers may bring the actions themselves/ someone on their behalf may bring the action.

Consumers may cancel fixed terms agreements

Consumers are now allowed to terminate a fixed term contract at any time by giving 20 business days notice and a contract may not be automatically renewed at the end of the term.

It is important for the consumer to first inquire about the possible penalty prior to cancelling a fixed agreement and should the penalty be unreasonable the consumer may approach the Consumer Tribunal.

Consumers may refuse to accept unwanted communication

All consumers are allowed an opt out option when it comes to unsolicited emails/communications (spam). Companies can face major penalties if they pursue with unwanted communication despite a consumer`s express dissatisfaction with the communication.

Consumers may demand refunds for Over bookings

A supplier may not accept payment if he does not reasonably intend to supply the goods or services, or if he intends to supply goods or services which are substantially different. If there are over-bookings, consumers may claim a refund, together with interest, and compensation for any costs incurred as a result of the suppliers failure to deliver.

Consumers may refuse to pay when an estimate was not provided/approved

A supplier may not charge the consumer for any goods or repairs or maintenance services unless the supplier has first provided the consumer with an estimate which the consumer subsequently accepted.  

No one can charge a consumer an amount if it was not disclosed and accepted by the consumer beforehand.

Consumers may demand to examine goods on delivery

Unless the consumer agrees differently with the supplier, the supplier has a duty to deliver the goods or services at an agreed date, time and place. The consumer must be afforded the opportunity on delivery to examine the goods.

Consumers may Return Goods

Consumers may return goods if the goods are defective or unsafe or if the goods were intended for a particular purpose and they are found to be unsuitable for such purpose.

Consumers may demand that a contract be in clear and understandable language and that the terms be explained

All contracts with consumers should be in plain language. Prices and terms must be fair, reasonable and just. Any provision resulting in a consumer accepting additional liability or acknowledging any fact, must be specifically brought to the consumers attention in a clear manner and in plain language at the time that the consumer concludes the agreement. It is therefore the responsibility of the supplier to ensure the consumer understands the contract fully and that there are no misrepresentations.

Answer 2

The Consumer Protection Act was passed in 1986 and it came into force from I July, 1987. The main objectives of the Act are to provide better and all round protection to consumers and effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices. It also makes provisions for simple, speedy and inexpensive machinery for redressal of consumer's grievances.

Salient Features

The salient features of Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986 are as follows

It applies to all goods, services and unfair trade practices unless specifically exempted by the Central Government.

It covers all sectors-private, public or co-operative.

It provides for establishment of consumer protection councils at the central, state and district levels to promote and protect the rights of consumers and a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery to deal with consumer's grievances and disputes.

It provides a statutory recognition to the six rights of consumers.