5 Consumer Rights Which Every Indian Must Be Aware Of!

Introduction

In an ever-changing economy like the Indian Economy, the market is filled with ample companies that are in a fierce competition with an intention to attract more and more customers to their brand/products.

The consumers are served with a countless options for every single product or a service, and in this tussle between the companies/brands, one can never say who might take us for a ride or deceive us.

To protect the rights and interests of consumers, the government of India enacted a law which goes by the name of Consumer Protection Act 1986.

The Consumer Protection Act also ensures that the consumers get the actual worth of the products and services which they are opting/paying for.

Before coming to the Rights of the Consumer let us first understand who is a consumer as per the Consumer Protection Act.

The rights which every Consumer should be aware of are as under:

• Right to Choose.

• Right to Safety.

• Right to Information.

• Right to be Heard.

• Right to Redressal.

• Right to Consumer Education. (Bonus)

Right to Choose:

What most of us are not aware of is that a consumer can even bargain on the MRP. It is a Consumer's Right to be assured to have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

MRP of a product is not a government fixed price and can be bargained upon since the actual selling price could be lower, depending on local taxes and transport costs.

Right to Safety:

Consumers have the right to be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.

The main application of this right is in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and food processing sector as these have direct impact on health. It aims to protect consumers against immoral practices by doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and the automobile industry.

Right to Information:

A Consumer has the Right to be Informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services.

This right is meant to protect the rights of consumers against unfair trade practices. There are many companies/manufacturers involved in the business of consumer goods in India that are not adhering the standardized labelling practices.

Right to be Heard:

Every Consumer has a right to be heard and to be assured that their interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.

Albeit, Consumer Courts are established to resolve the disputes raised by the consumers. There are countless websites that aim to make sure that the response/opinion of the ultimate consumer reaches the corporate world/manufacturer.

Right to Redressal:

Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices, or unscrupulous exploitation of the consumer.

There are consumer courts at:

1) District Level

2) State Level

3) National Level

So that the consumers can seek redressal of their disputes against the service providers/manufacturers etc.

You can also log in your complaints at: www.consumerhelpline.gov.in

Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000 (Toll Free Number)

Right to Consumer Education: (Bonus)

It is the very basic right of every Indian citizen to have education on matters pertaining to consumer protection.

Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation. The Consumers should know their rights and must exercise them with due care and only then the real consumer protection can be achieved with success.