World Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on 15 March to raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of consumers. The day highlights the importance of fair and ethical practices in all markets and encourages the world’s businesses and governments to protect and promote consumer rights.
In India, the Consumer Protection Act 1986 provides the basic rights to a consumer. On this day, it is important to know about six essential consumer rights that everyone should know.
Right to Education
Right to education for consumers means that they should have access to information about the services or products they want to buy. This information will help them make better decisions about what to buy.
locus standi
This right ensures that consumers have the right to express their opinions and express their concerns regarding the products or services they have purchased. They can file a complaint without worrying about any negative consequences. This right ensures that consumer interests will be heard and considered fairly in the relevant fora.
right of redress
If a consumer experiences unfair treatment or exploitation, he/she has the right to seek redressal of the problem. This right ensures that consumers can take action against any unethical or unfair practices they come across.
right to security
Indian consumers have the right to be safe from any goods or services that may cause harm to them or damage to their property. This includes the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobile, housing, home appliances, travel and food processing industries. The Consumer Protection Act ensures that consumers are protected under this right.
right to choose
Consumers have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of goods at competitive prices. They can also negotiate on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The government does not set the MRP, which means that consumers have the right to choose and negotiate the best possible price for the products they want to buy.
right to Information
Every consumer has the right to be informed about the quantity, quality, purity, affordability, standard and price of goods before purchasing them. This right is to protect the consumers from any unfair trade practices taking place. It is defined in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
questions to ask
Q1. When did the Consumer Protection Act come into full force in India?
Answer: This act came into effect from 1st July, 1987.
Q2. Who can file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act?
Answer: Any consumer who is cheated or deprived of his rights by the trader can file a complaint.