Consumer Rights - Long Answer Questions
A person who buys any goods or services for consideration (payment).
When high prices are charged, less weight is measured, or defective/adulterated goods are sold. 'Caveat Emptor' (Let buyer beware) shifted to 'Caveat Venditor'.
Consumer Protection Act 1986. Enacted to protect consumer interests and provide speedy redressal.
1. Right to Safety. 2. Right to be Informed. 3. Right to Choose. 4. Right to be Heard. 5. Right to Seek Redressal. 6. Right to Consumer Education.
Protection against marketing of goods which are hazardous to life and property (e.g., Pressure cooker with bad safety valve).
Right to know about quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods. (MRP, Expiry Date, Ingredients).
Act passed in 2005. Citizens can demand information about functions of government departments.
Assurance of access to variety of goods/services at competitive price. (e.g., Choosing any toothpaste brand).
Right to get relief against unfair trade practices or exploitation. Compensation based on damage.
District Forum (up to 1 Cr), State Commission (1 Cr to 10 Cr), National Commission (Above 10 Cr). (Limits updated recently, using textbook context).
Right to acquire knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer.
Certification mark for industrial products (Switches, Cement, LPG cylinders) ensuring quality/safety.
Certification mark for agricultural products (Honey, Oil, Spices).
Certification for Gold purity (Jewellery).
1. Ask for Cash Memo. 2. Check Expiry/MRP. 3. Look for standard marks (ISI/Agmark). 4. File complaint if cheated.
December 24. COPRA was enacted on this day in 1986.
Dissatisfaction with rampart food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, and adulteration in 1960s.
A boy who suffered brain damage due to medical negligence. National Commission awarded compensation.
Awareness campaign by government.
Lawyers are needed, cases drag on, filing process can be cumbersome. Awareness is still low.
Consumer Rights - Important Facts
COPRA 1986 is a landmark act.
Consumer movement in India started as 'social force'.
UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection (1985).
Consumers International: Global federation (220 orgs).
District Forum deals with cases < 1 Crore (updated from 20L).
State Commission deals with cases 1 Cr - 10 Cr.
National Commission deals with cases > 10 Cr.
You can appeal to higher court within 30 days.
No court fee for poor (nominal fee).
Separate Dept of Consumer Affairs exists.
Logos: ISI, Agmark, Hallmark.
FPO mark for fruit products.
Eco-mark for environment friendly products.
Consumers have right to represent in consumer courts.
Only 20-30% consumers are aware.
Hallmark tells purity of gold.
MRP: Maximum Retail Price.
Adulteration is a crime.
Focus is shifting to 'Consumer is King'.
Consumer Rights - Important Dates/Terms
COPRA enacted (Dec 24)
RTI Act passed