Question

Who is the consumer? What are the rights of the consumer? Explain by examples.

Answer 1

Consumer is an important part of the market who uses the goods, available in the market in his own interest. It is an instrumental part in the operation of any economy, that is, it helps the economy to gain momentum.

Section-6 of the Consumer Protection Act gives certain rights to consumers —

1. Right to Protection : The consumer has the right to be protected from such goods and services which cause damage to his body or property.
2. Right to Get Information : He has the right to get all the necessary information regarding the goods or services that the consumer wants to buy such as the sale price of the packaged article the period of use etc.
3. Right of Choice: The consumer has the right to choose any of the goods manufactured by different manufacturers. The shopkeeper can not impose that article on any consumer.
4. Right to be Heard : If the interests of the consumer are affected he has the right to put these matters to the appropriate forum.
5. Right Go Grievance : Redressal or compensation. This right gives the consumer the right to be compensated if there is any defect in the goods or services.
6. Right to Consumer Education : Any consumer has the right to continue education to remain a vigilant consumer.