Introduction: -15th March is observed every year "Consumer Rights
Day" throughout the world. This is because on this day in the year 1962, the then president of U.S.A.
declared certain rights (first four of the following) of consumers. Some more
rights were added later on by the International Organization of Consumer Union.
The Consumer Protection
Act, passed by the India Government in 1986
also incorporates these rights of consumers. Along with that, two (last two of
the following) rights were added by the Amendment Act in 1993 and 2002.
Following are the various rights of Consumers:
1.
Right
to Safety:
-It is one of the basic rights of consumers.
It protects them against the marketing of those goods and services which are
hazardous to their life and property. In other words, traders should assure
that the goods to be sold will not cause any damage to life or property of the
consumer. If sometimes, it may happen that the product is found to be hazardous
after selling it in the market. In such a situation the right to Safety expects
the trader to recall the product or to modify it or he should compensate the
consumer for the damage.
2.
Right
to Information:
-According to this right, consumers should get
correct information about the price, quality, purity, quantity, ingredients,
etc. of the goods to be purchased. He should also be properly instructed about
the use of the product and risks involved in improper use of the product. This
information allows consumers to make right choice of goods and services. It
also assures safety of consumer as well as the article itself.
3.
Rights
to choose:
-Today's markets are full of variety of goods. The
consumer should be able to make a choice from a wide range of products. He has
a right to choose the goods as per his need and budget. Very often traders are
pressure tactics for selling poor quality goods. The right to choose enables a consumer to
select a suitable product from among the available variety in the market at a
competitive price.
4.
Right
to be heard:
-This right assures that consumer grievances and
complaints will be heard and will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
This right allows a consumer to express his views about the product or service
brought by him.
5.
Right
to Redressal:
-Only filing a complaint is not sufficient for a
consumer to get justice, so the Right to Redressal is also recognized along
with the Right to Represent. This right enables a consumer to seek redressal
against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation. This right assures
proper legal arrangement to attend to his complaint and to get it redressed.
6.
Right
to Education:
-This right entitle (enable) the consumer
to know about consumer rights, market practices and remedies available to them.
This knowledge creates awareness among consumers and they can protect
themselves from unfair trade practices in a better way. The government, media
as well as various NGOs can play a significant role to create awareness among
consumers and to educate them. E.g. Jago
Grahak Jago Campaign.
7.
Right
to Healthy Environment:
-As a human being the consumer has the right to lead
his life in a healthy environment. They must have clean and pollution free
environment in the present as well as the future e.g. if the production process of a manufacturer is creating air
and water pollution then society can take objection.
8.
Right
to protect Against Unfair Trade Practices: -As the name
suggests, this right offers protection to consumers against any kind of unfair
trade practices. Consumers can raise their voice against wrong measurements
artificial shortages, exorbitant prices, etc. this right was incorporated b y
the Amendments Act, 1993.
9. Right
to protect Against Spurious (fake) Goods: -This right has been added to the Consumer Protection Act by the Amendments Act, 2002. According to this
right, consumers are protected from marketing of spurious and hazardous goods.
It protects public health and life.
