CONSUMER PROTECTION

By Vidhya S Menon

Consumer protection means safeguarding the interest and rights of consumers

The most common business malpractices leading to consumer exploitation are:

Sale of sub standard goods

Sale of duplicate goods

Charging more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) fixed for the product

Supply of inferior services

Hoarding and Black marketing leading to scarcity and rise in price

EXAMPLES OF CONSUMER EXPLOITATION IN INDIA

The supply of cooking gas cylinder to the consumers is found to be underweight

The after sales service provider of the television set charged Rs.200 as service through he repaired the set within the warranty period

The ticket issued to different passengers on the same day for the same journey showed the same seat number

NEED FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

Social Responsibility Multiple Objectives Stakeholder Approach Theory of Trusteeship Survival and Growth Customer Satisfaction

The Right to Safety The Right to be Informed The Right to choose The Right to be Heard The Right to seek Redressal The Right to Consumer Education

Methods Of Consumer Protection

Self Regulation By Business Consumer Associations Government Control

The Consumer Protection Act 1986

District Forum State Forum National Forum

District Forum The district forum consist of a chairman and two other members

one of whom shall be a woman

A written complaint can be filed by the consumer against the opposite party where the value of goods and services and the compensation claimed does not exceed Rs. 20 lakh

The district forum send the sample of goods for testing in a laboratory and after being satisfied that the goods are defective they issue an order to either resolve or replace the goods

In case the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the order he can appeal to the state commission before 30 days

State Forum

The State forum consist of a president (High Court Judge)and two other members one of whom shall be a woman

A written complaint can be filed by the consumer against the opposite party where the value of goods and services and the compensation claimed less than Rs. 20 Lakh and does not exceed 1 Cr.

The district forum send the sample of goods for testing in a laboratory and after being satisfied that the goods are defective they issue an order to either resolve or replace the goods

In case the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the order he can appeal to the National commission before 30 days

National Forum

The State forum consist of a president (Supreme Court Judge)and two other members one of whom shall be a woman

A written complaint can be filed by the consumer against the opposite party where the value of goods and services and the compensation claimed more than 1 Cr.

The district forum send the sample of goods for testing in a laboratory and after being satisfied that the goods are defective they issue an order to either resolve or replace the goods

In case the aggrieved party is not satisfied with the order he can appeal to the Supreme court before 30 days

THANK YOU.........