CONSUMER RIGHTS IN INDIA: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER

Anjali saw an ad for a weight loss supplement that promised miraculous results in just two weeks. She bought the product, but it didn’t work as advertised. Do Anjali have any consumer rights in india?

The good news is, yes, you do! India has strong consumer protection laws to ensure you get what you pay for and to protect you from unfair practices. Let’s explore what these laws are and how they can help you.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019:  This law replaced the older Consumer Protection Act of 1986 and introduced several new features to better safeguard your interests.

Consumer Rights: The Act lays out six rights for consumers

Right to Safety: 

Protection against goods and services that are dangerous to life and property.

You buy an electrical appliance like a microwave. After a week of use, you notice it gives off sparks, posing a fire risk. Using your right to safety, you can return the microwave to the store for a replacement or a refund, ensuring you are protected from dangerous products.

Right to be Informed: 

Complete information about the quality, quantity, strength, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.

You purchase a health supplement online. However, the product arrives without any information on its ingredients, amount to take, or potential side effects. By exercising your right to be informed, you contact the seller to provide the necessary information or report the issue to consumer protection authorities to ensure transparency and safety.

Right to Choose: 

Access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

You visit a supermarket to buy breakfast cereal. The store stocks several brands, but one brand has a monopoly and is significantly more expensive. Utilizing your right to choose, you can advocate for more competitive pricing and a bigger selection of brands, ensuring you have access to various products at fair prices.

Right to be Heard: 

Consumer interests will receive proper attention at appropriate forums.

You are unhappy with the service at a local restaurant. The food was cold, and the staff ignored your complaints. Using your right to be heard, you can leave a detailed review on their website or speak to the management, ensuring your feedback is considered and improvements are made.

Right to Seek Redressal: 

Right to seek redressal against unfair or restrictive business practices.

You buy a smartphone that stops working within a month. Even after multiple attempts to get it repaired, the issue continues. By using your right to seek redressal, you can file a complaint with the consumer court to get a refund or a replacement, protecting yourself against defective products.

Right to Consumer Education: 

To be educated about consumer rights and responsibilities.

You attend a workshop on consumer rights where you learn about your rights and responsibilities when buying goods and services. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions, spot unfair practices, and understand how to file complaints if necessary, ensuring you are a well-informed consumer.

How to Use These Rights

Now that you know your rights, let’s talk about how to use them effectively.

Stay Informed: 

Always check product labels, read terms and conditions, and be aware of the policies of the services you use.

Keep Records: Maintain receipts, warranty cards, and any communication with sellers or service providers. These documents are crucial if you need to file a complaint.

Voice Your Complaints: 

If you face any issues, first contact the seller or service provider. Most companies have customer service departments to handle complaints. If this doesn’t work, you can approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.

Use Consumer Helplines: 

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) can be contacted for advice and information. You can call them at 1800-11-4000 or send an SMS to 8130009809.

File a Complaint:

If your issue remains unresolved, you can file a complaint with the District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, depending on the value of the claim. This can be done online, making the process more accessible.

Empower Yourself

Being a smart consumer means knowing your rights and standing up for them. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, is there to ensure that you are treated fairly and get the value you deserve.

Next time you face a consumer issue, remember you are not alone—India’s consumer protection laws have your back.

So, go ahead and shop with confidence, because now you know your rights as a consumer in India!

Have any experiences or tips about consumer rights? Share them in the comments below! Let’s help each other be better informed and protected consumers.