Why You should Know Your Consumer Rights In India

    Consumer Rights 1
    22 Aug

    Why You should Know Your Consumer Rights In India

    We are the second biggest country both in terms of population and consumption of various goods and services in the world. Being a citizen of the country and also a consumer of diverse food items, commodities, merchandise, etc., it is important to have awareness of what you buy. Education, awareness, information and rights are the most important things every citizen in the country must ideally posses in order to fight against unfair trade practises.

    The consumer rights in India is defined in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This Act explains the consumer right as the right to have information about the quality, quantity, purity, potency and standard of various goods and services that are traded in the country. Therefore, the significance of the Consumer Protection Act is to protect consumers from unfair trade practises, defects in goods and deficiencies in services as a whole.

    There are many individuals who might not be completely aware of this Act. Hence, the purpose of this blog is to bring to the knowledge of every citizen the rights that should be exercised since, these have been provisioned by the Parliament of India and for the benefit of every Indian citizen.

    Know These 6 Consumer Rights in India and Be A Responsible Citizen

    Below are the six consumer rights that should be exercised by every citizen in the country and be responsible towards yourselves.

    Consumer Education
    Consumer Education

    1. Right to Consumer Education

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to consumer education as:

    “It is the right of every Indian citizen to have education on matters regarding consumer protection as well as about his/her right.”

    2. Right to Information

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to information as:

    “A consumer has the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services.”

    The right to information protects consumers against unfair trade practises.

    3. Right to Choose

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to choose as:

    “It is a consumer’s right to be assured to have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.”

    The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) that is tagged on products is not a price fixed by the government. Thus, the price can be bargained upon since, the actual selling price could be lower. Depending on local taxes and transportation costs.

    4. Right to Safety

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to safety as:

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

    This consumer right is exercised towards health and safety of consumers. It protects consumers against the immoral practises by doctors, hospitals, pharmacies as well as the auto-mobile industry.

    5. Right to be Heard

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to be heard as:

    “Every consumer has a right to be heard and to be assured that his/her interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.”

    Consumer courts are special purpose courts which can be approach to address complaints, disputes and grievances of consumers. Consumers can visit the official website in order to post their complaints.

    6. Right to Redressal

    The Consumer Rights Act, 1986 defines the right to redressal as:

    “Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practises or restrictive trade practises or unscrupulous exploitation.”

    The consumer courts are categorised as district, state and national courts in order to redress various disputes. The different levels of jurisdiction correspond to claims at certain limits.

    Thus, Consumers can visit the official website for seeking redressal against unfair trade practises by retailers, merchants and suppliers.

    The Bottom Line

    Things can be changed for the better, only if it starts with you as good citizens of the country. We are already aware of the situation and how things are being controlled through power and discrimination. However, there are few things which can be exercised in order to protect consumers against such unpleasant practises. Thus, creating awareness among each other and being responsible are keys to bring good changes. At least, for the betterment of the nation.

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