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Consumer rights act aims to strengthen the rights of consumers and simplify the dispute resolution process. It establishes new regulatory bodies to protect consumers' interests, such as the Central Consumer Protection Authority, and provides for stricter penalties for businesses that violate consumer rights.
Consumer rights are the legal and ethical principles that protect individuals from being taken advantage of by businesses and manufacturers.
They emerged in the 1960s as a response to growing concerns about product safety, environmental damage, and unfair business practices.
How do consumer rights benefit consumers?
Consumer rights benefit individuals by protecting them from unfair business practices and ensuring that they receive safe and quality goods and services.
Here are the top 14 points that every consumer should know about their rights.
1.Consumers have the right to be protected against products and services that are hazardous to their health and safety.
2.Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods and services.
3.Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
4.Consumers have the right to be heard and to voice their complaints and grievances to companies and regulatory authorities.
5.Consumers have the right to be represented in the formulation of policies and regulations that affect their interests.
6.Consumers have the right to privacy and to protection against unauthorized use of their personal data and information.
7.Consumers have the right to education and awareness about their rights and responsibilities as consumers.
8.Consumer rights benefit individuals by protecting them from unfair business practices and ensuring that they receive safe and quality goods and services.
9.Consumer rights also benefit the economy by promoting fair competition, which leads to innovation, lower prices, and higher quality products.
10.Consumers have the right to receive accurate and truthful information about the products or services they purchase.
11.Consumers have the right to cancel or return a product or service within a certain period of time and receive a refund.
12.Consumers have the right to seek compensation or damages if they are harmed by a product or service.
13.Consumers have the right to file a complaint with consumer protection authorities or regulatory bodies if they feel their rights have been violated.
14.Consumers have the right to education and awareness about their rights and responsibilities as consumers, including how to make informed purchasing decisions and how to seek redress if their rights are violated.
How to file a consumer complaint in India, know here using online portal
Consumer Courts, also known as Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums (CDRFs), are legal bodies established to protect the rights of consumers in India.
These courts were established to provide a speedy and cost-effective solution to consumer grievances.
The significance of Consumer Courts and how they can be helpful for users. The following is a step-by-step guide for filing a complaint via consumerhelpline.gov.in, India's online complaints portal.
What is a Consumer Court?
Consumer Courts are legal bodies established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, to deal with consumer complaints and grievances. These courts have been set up to provide a simple and speedy resolution to consumer disputes.
They have the power to hear cases related to defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices, and other similar issues.
The Consumer Courts are classified into three levels based on the value of the claim: District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, and National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
How Consumer Courts are Helpful for Users?
Consumer Courts are an essential tool for consumers to protect their rights and interests. They provide an accessible and effective forum for consumers to seek redressal against unfair practices by businesses.
The Consumer Courts ensure that consumers receive a speedy resolution of their complaints, without the need for expensive and time-consuming legal battles.
The Consumer Courts have the power to order compensation to the aggrieved party, which can include payment of damages or replacement of goods or services.
How to File a Consumer Complaint on consumerhelpline.gov.in?
The online portal consumerhelpline.gov.in is an easy-to-use platform for consumers to file their complaints. The following are the steps to file a consumer complaint using the online portal:
Step 1:Visit the website consumerhelpline.gov.in and click on 'New User' to register.
Step 2:Fill in all the required details like name, email id, address, and phone number.
Step 3:Log in to the website using the username and password provided during registration. Click on 'File Complaint' to file your complaint.
Step 4:Select the complaint type from the available options, like products, service provider, or others.
Step 5:Fill out the registration form with the necessary details of your problem or grievances and click 'Submit.'
Once the complaint is registered, you can check its status by logging in to the website. As per the website, complainants can expect a resolution within three months. However, in case of any delays, the Consumer Courts have the power to take necessary actions against the party at fault.
Always remember to be vigilant and assertive about your rights as a consumer.
Know Your Consumer Rights, Services That May Not Be Covered
While consumer protection laws cover a wide range of issues related to products and services, there are certain services that may not be promised or guaranteed under these laws.
While consumers still have the right to complain about these services if they are not satisfied, they may not have legal recourse under consumer protection laws.
It is important for consumers to understand their rights and the limitations of consumer protection laws when seeking to resolve complaints about products or services.
5 important areas where consumers may not be eligible for compensation:
1.Free services that are not advertised or promised to be of a certain quality. For example, if a restaurant offers free bread with a meal, the quality of the bread may not be guaranteed under consumer protection laws.
2.Services that are provided as a favor or goodwill gesture, rather than as part of a business transaction. For example, if a car dealership offers a free car wash to a customer who has recently purchased a car, the quality of the car wash may not be guaranteed under consumer protection laws.
3.Services that are provided by friends or family members, rather than by a business or professional. Consumer rights laws generally do not cover personal transactions between individuals.
4.Services that are provided by non-profit organizations, such as charities or community groups. While these organizations may have their own codes of conduct and ethical standards, they may not be subject to the same consumer protection laws as for-profit businesses.
5.Services that are provided by government agencies or public institutions, such as schools or hospitals. These organizations may have their own regulations and oversight mechanisms, but they may not be subject to the same consumer protection laws as private businesses.
