The purpose of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (the Act’) is to safeguard the legal rights and interests of consumers. The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 is the new version of the 1986 law.
The Act’s stated goal is to promote social welfare by opening up markets to direct consumer participation. All products and services provided by both the public and private sectors are included. It is a tool for consumers to use in the fight for their rights and against the exploitation of consumers by producers, dealers, retailers, and service providers.
What Exactly are Consumer Rights?
When it comes to consumer protection, every nation provides its citizens with a unique set of guarantees. A customer’s right to know all relevant information before buying a product or service Business people are aware of their social responsibility, but they may still commit fraud, engage in unfair trade practises, etc. in order to profit at the expense of consumers.
The protections afforded by consumer rights allow consumers to stand up for themselves in the face of such unfair business practises. Consumers in India are afforded certain protections by law thanks to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Note: Constitutional lawyers in Chandigarh are vital to the defence of consumer rights. They safeguard consumers’ constitutional rights and help those who have had their rights violated obtain legal representation.
Types of Consumer Rights
The six rights offered to consumers by the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) are as follows:
Right to be protected
Consumers have the right to be safe from the promotion of potentially harmful products, goods, and services. Consumers’ health, safety, and property could be jeopardised by faulty electrical appliances, gas cylinders, and other products. Consumers have the right to insist on a guarantee and high quality before making a purchase as part of their constitutionally guaranteed right to be safe. A product that has been approved by AGMARK or ISI is the best option.
Right to be informed
Protecting consumers from deceptive business practises, the right to know mandates that vendors disclose product details like quantity, quality, standard, purity, potency, and price to buyers. Retailers and producers owe it to their customers to give them all the information they need to make educated purchasing decisions. Manufacturers are obligated to provide all necessary information on the product’s label and packaging.
Right to choose
Customers have the freedom to select from a wide range of offerings in the market and to do so at market-based prices. To be competitive, prices must be reasonable. Sellers, retailers, and merchants have no right to insist that customers buy a particular label. Consumers are free to pick whichever brand they feel best represents them. In the event of a monopoly, freedom of choice guarantees consumers high-quality goods and services at fair prices. The right to access essential services and products is also protected.
Right to be heard
The consumer’s interests will be heard and considered in the proper forum, as guaranteed by the right to be heard. The consumers will have access to sufficient channels through which to air their grievances, and their concerns will be heard and taken into account. In the event of unfair business practises on the part of the seller, consumers can lodge complaints in the relevant forums. Customers will be afforded a reasonable forum in which to air their grievances. They could seek the assistance of consumer protection groups in order to enforce this right.
Right to Redressal
When they experience exploitation, unfair pricing, or other forms of restraint in the marketplace, consumers have the legal right to seek redress. The right to a just resolution of complaints is also included. When customers have a valid gripe, they can voice it by filing a complaint. They can also get help filing complaints with various consumer advocacy groups. Consumers can choose between monetary compensation, having defective items fixed, or receiving brand new items.
Right to Consumer Education
In order to protect themselves from being taken advantage of, consumers have a right to be educated about those rights. The right to self-education ensures that consumers can make well-informed purchasing decisions. Consumers who are aware of their legal protections and the statutes and agencies put in place to ensure their safety are more likely to take action. The government has also mandated that consumer education be a part of high school and college curricula.
Note: Service lawyers in Chandigarh are specialised in providing legal assistance and representation to consumers with service-related issues, including banking, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Importance of Consumer Rights
Despite paying full price, many people feel they have received tainted or otherwise inferior products, services, or both. Consumers risk physical harm if they use these items. As a result, safeguarding consumers is a top priority for law enforcement. To safeguard their interests, the government has acknowledged consumers’ entitlement to a number of rights.
The Act guarantees certain consumer protections to ensure that consumers are not taken advantage of or deceived by producers or vendors. The onus is on shoppers to do their research, find the best deals, and protect themselves from harm when making purchases. Knowing your consumer rights is just as important as having them, so that you can hold businesses accountable and receive compensation if something goes wrong.
If a customer receives a tainted or otherwise defective product, they can file a complaint and seek compensation under the Act. It provides cover for those who report problems with a service or product and encourages others to do so. It safeguards buyers from merchants who deal in contraband goods.
Wrap Up!
The government has taken several steps to raise citizens’ consciousness of their rights as consumers. The Consumer Protection Act ensures that buyers are safeguarded from deceptive advertising and the consequences of receiving subpar or faulty products. In order to stop businesses from deceiving the public, consumers must take action by filing complaints against those who have wronged them. When it comes to consumer protection, SL Legal services is the top firm in Chandigarh for legal counsel, contract drafting, dispute resolution, and compliance with applicable laws.