Consumer Rights

 Consumer Rights

By Shagun Mahendroo

Consumer rights refers to a system of law that governs what manufacturers of goods must do to safeguard their customers from harm. These statutes arose from a succession of judicial challenges, and they have been shaped by the outcomes of those cases. Some states have enacted "consumer rights" legislation, although this is not yet the norm, and even these codifications may not encompass all of the elements that are widely regarded "consumer rights." 

The right to information about the quality, potency, quantity, purity, price, and standard of goods or services is defined as "the right to have information about the quality, potency, quantity, purity, price, and standard of goods or services," as the case may be, but the consumer is to be protected against any unfair trade practises. It is critical for customers to be aware of their rights.

Despite the fact that India has strong and unambiguous laws protecting consumer rights, the situation of Indian consumers might be described as dire. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 is the most important of the several laws that have been enacted to protect consumer rights in India.

Individuals, firms, Hindu undivided families, and companies all have the right to use their consumer rights for the purchase of products and services made by them, according to this law. It is critical that a consumer understands his or her basic rights, as well as the courts and procedures that follow when those rights are violated.

The essential consumer rights are discussed here:

The Right to be Heard: 

After being exploited, every consumer has the right to be heard. A dissatisfied customer should be aware that if the company does not listen to them, he or she has the right to take the case to the authorities. The right to be heard is a powerful tool at the consumer's disposal.

The Right to Seek Redressal:

Every customer has the legal right to seek redress. Consumers who have been the victims of corporate exploitation can launch a lawsuit against the insensitive firm through redressal organisations. As a result, many customers abuse this right, making it an extremely delicate right.

The Right to Information:

Every consumer has the right to know what they are buying. Consumers should be exposed to accurate and reliable information. Information should not be used for nefarious purposes or be inaccurate. Consumers, in other words, have a right to accurate information.

The Right to Protection:

Every customer has a right to be protected. Consumers have access to the Central Consumer Protection Council, State Consumer Protection Council, District Forum, and Consumer Protection Redressal Agencies. These organisations attempt to safeguard Indian consumers against firms that exploit them.

The Right to Assurance:

Every customer has the right to be confident. Assurance of high-quality products and services. They also have the right to be assured of the wide range of goods and services available to them.

The Right to Consumer Education:

Every customer has the right to consumer education as well. Every consumer protection act and amendment generally includes consumer education. The government should make a concerted effort to share and disseminate consumer rights throughout India. Consumers should also have the right to obtain education on the dos and don'ts of being a consumer. This is an extremely helpful and informed resource available to customers.

As a result, we can conclude that customers should be taught and made aware of their rights and duties. The government should launch various initiatives, like as campaigns and commercials, to raise consumer awareness of their rights and obligations.