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Introduction
Many people complain that they were given substandard or contaminated goods for which they paid full price. Similarly, some customers have been seen muttering that despite paying full money, the bus and train seats supplied were extremely uncomfortable. People frequently do not receive the full worth of their money because they do not have the right to receive the full value of the money they spend on the goods and service they desire. People are sometimes to blame for goods and service that are offered to them that are improper. They frequently lack complete information about the product or service without regard for quality.
Consumer Protection Act
An Act to provide for protection of the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith.” (According to Consumer Protection Act, 2019).
“An Act to provide for better protection of the interests of consumers and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith.”(According to Consumer Protection Act, 1986).
Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeks to promote and protect the interest of consumers against deficiencies and defects in goods or services. It also seeks to secure the rights of a consumer against unfair or restrictive trade practices. This act was passed in Lok Sabha on 9th December,1986 and Rajya Sabha on 10th December, 1986 and assented by the President of India on 24th December, 1986 and was published in the Gazette of India on 26th December, 1986
Consumer Rights
· The right to safety denotes the right to be shielded from the promotion of products and services that endanger people's lives or property. Their long-term interests should be satisfied in addition to their immediate requirements by the items and services they have acquired. Customers should inquire about product quality and service and product warranty before making a purchase. Preferably, they ought to choose high-quality products with labels like ISI, AGMARK, etc.
· Right to choose denotes the right to be guaranteed, whenever feasible, access to a range of products and services at affordable prices. It refers to the right to be guaranteed good quality and service at a reasonable cost in the situation of monopolies. It also covers the right to essential products and services. This is due to the fact that the majority may be denied their fair share if the minority has unrestrained freedom of choice. In a market that is competitive and offers a wide range of products at competitive costs, this right can be better exercised.
· Right to information In order to safeguard consumers from unfair business practices, it means that they have the right to know the quality, amount, potency, purity, standard, and cost of products. When choosing or deciding on a product or service, consumers should insist on obtaining all available information. In addition to allowing him to avoid being a victim of high-pressure sales tactics, this will allow him to behave sensibly and properly.
· The right to consumer education denotes the entitlement to gain the information and abilities necessary to be a lifelong, knowledgeable consumer. The primary cause of their exploitation is customer ignorance, especially among rural consumers. They need to be aware of and take advantage of their rights. Only then will it be possible to successfully implement true consumer protection.
· Right to be heard. Means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare. The Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer organizations which can be given representation in various committees formed by the Government and other bodies in matters relating to consumers.
· Right to Seek redressal denotes the right to pursue recourse for unethical business conduct or dishonest consumer exploitation. It also involves the right to a just resolution of the consumer's legitimate complaints. For their legitimate complaints, customers must file a complaint. Even while their grievance may not seem like much, it can have a significant impact on society as a whole. They can also seek resolution of their problems with the assistance of consumer organizations.
Consumer Responsibility
Be Critically Aware
The responsibility to be more alert and to question more – about prices, about quantity and quality of goods bought and services used.
Be Involved
The responsibility to be assertive – to ensure that you get a fair deal as a consumer. Remember, if you are passive, you are likely to be exploited.
Be Organized
The responsibility to join hands and raise voices as consumers; to fight in a collective and to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect consumer interest.
Practice Sustainable Consumption
The responsibility to be aware of the impact of your consumption on other citizens, especially the disadvantaged or powerless groups; and to consume based on needs – not wants.
Be Responsible to the Environment
The responsibility to be aware and to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption. We should recognize our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.
CONCLUSION
As the frequency of deceptive techniques and market anomalies is rising, government must intervene to protect consumers, interest by recognizing and upholding their rights under a variety of legal instrument, including consumer, sellers, government and other state actors will help fulfil the intention behind drafting legislation that aims to safeguard consumers and their movement in the market.
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