Consumer protection is a type of government regulation that protects the interests of consumers.
Today, the customer is surrounded by problems like hoarding, black marketing, adulteration, sale of substandard goods, high prices, non-service after guarantee, cheating everywhere, short measurement etc.Various laws have been enacted to protect consumers, resulting in consumers becoming increasingly dependent on the government. Those who engage in illegal activities, such as hoarding, black-marketing, and adulterators, receive political protection.Because consumers are not organized, they are cheated everywhere. This is where the consumer movement begins. Consumers must wake up and protect themselves.
History
The consumer movement was started in America by Ralph Nader.As a result of Nader's campaign, on March 15, 1962, the US Congress approved the Consumer Protection Bill introduced by then-President John F. Kennedy.For this reason, March 15 is celebrated as International Consumer Day. The bill passed in the US Congress had four special provisions.
1. Consumer protection rights.
2. Consumer right to information.
3. Consumer right to choice.
4. Consumer right to be heard.
The US Congress later added four more rights to broaden these rights.
1. Right to consumer education.
2. Right to compensation.
3. Right to a clean environment.
4. Right to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter.
consumer protection in india
As far as India is concerned,Direction to Consumer Movement: In 1966, under the leadership of JRD Tata, some industrialists established the Fair Practice Association for Consumer Protection in Mumbai and its branches were established in some major cities.The Consumer Panchayat, a voluntary organization, was founded by B.M. Joshi in Pune in 1974. Consumer welfare organizations were formed in several states.In this way the consumer movement continued to move forward.On 24 December 1986, on the initiative of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Consumer Protection Bill was passed by the Parliament and after being signed by the President, the Consumer Protection Act came into force across the country.Important amendments were later made to this Act in 1993 and 2002.After these extensive amendments, it has become a simple and easy Act.In case of non-compliance of the orders passed under this Act, provision has been made for imprisonment and fine under Section 27 and attachment under Section 25.
Consumer
According to the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, any person who buys goods or services for his own use is a consumer.A person who uses such goods/services with the permission of the seller is also a consumer.Therefore, each one of us is a consumer in some form or the other.
1. Right to protection from products and services that may cause harm to life and property.2. Right to know about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of products and services so as to protect the consumer from unfair trade practices.3. The right to be assured access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices wherever possible.4. Right to be heard and to be assured that consumer interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.5. Right to be heard against unfair or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.6. Right to consumer education.
What could be the complaints?
If you have suffered loss/damage due to unfair/restrictive practices used by a trader Or if there is any defect in the goods purchased or if there is any deficiency in the services hired/utilized or the Seller has charged you a price that is higher than the displayed price or the value of the same as required by applicable law.Apart from this, if any goods which pose a risk to life and safety are being sold to the public in violation of any law, then you can lodge a complaint.
where to complain
Where to lodge a complaint depends on the cost of the goods, services or compensation sought.If this amount is less than Rs 20 lakh then complain to the District Forum. If this amount is more than Rs 20 lakh but less than Rs 1 crore, then file a complaint before the State Commission and if it is more than Rs 1 crore, then file a complaint before the National Commission.All addresses are available on the website www.fcamin.nic.in