Consumer Protection Law

Wake Up for Consumer Rights

Consumer Protection Laws are designed to ensure fair trade competition and free flow of truthful information in the marketplace.The Laws are designed to prevent businesses that engage in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an advantage over competitors and may provide additional protection for the weak and those unable to take care of themselves.Consumer Protection Laws are designed by Government,which aim to protect the rights of consumer.

On March 15,1962 US President John F Kennedy made a historical speech about Consumer Rights as he introduced 'The Consumer Bill Of Rights' in the US Congress.Ever since countries all over the world have celebrated March 15, as the Consumer's Day.

However in India December 24, is celebrated as the National Consumer Day.Since the Consumer Protection Act,1986 was enacted on this day by the Indian Parliament.

In the Consumer Protection Act,1986 of India, the following six Consumer Rights have been recognized.

1. Right of Safety :-The right to protect from all types of hazardous goods and services.

2. Right to Information :-The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.

3. Right to Choose :-The right to free choice of goods and services,be assured wherever possible, access to an authority of goods at competitive prices.

4. Right to be Heard :-The right to be heard in all decision making process related to consumer intrests.

5. Right to Redressal :-The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

6. Right to Consumer Education :-The right to complete consumer education.

Even though strong and clear laws exist in India to protect consumer rights, the actual plight of Indian consumer could be declared as completely dismal.Very few consumers are aware of their basic Consumer Rights.This act was enacted in the 37th year of the Republic of India and was amended from time to time in the following years i.e. 1991, 1993, 2002.

An Act to provide for better protection of the interests of consumer and for that purpose to make provision for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer's disputes and for matters connected therewith.

**Some leaders who are fighting for the rights of consumers :-

a) Dr. Anant Sharma is working from last 3 decades for the rights of consumers.He established 'Consumer Action & Network Society' (CANS) in 1991.He started the campaign "Dudh ka Dudh, Pani ka Pani" and "Shuddh ke liye Yuddh" in Jaipur.He provides free advises to consumers and consumers can complaint on Toll Free 1800-180-6030.

b) Prof. ShreeRam Khanna  is the biggest Consumer Right Activist of the country.He started "Jago Grahak Jago" program in the country.He established 'National Consumer Helpline' and consumers can contact at Toll Free 1800-11-4000.