In the contemporary era, where the consumer is considered the KING, all the goods and services that are produced are consumer-centered. The consumer has now a wide variety of choices and is also given the alternative to customize their products and services. The approach of the market has now shifted from production-oriented to consumer-oriented.
The customer was earlier made to buy whatever was produced and they also faced many ills from the producers. The products and services were over-priced, and due to fast-growing competition, the producers got into unfair trade practices, eventually causing harm to the consumer.
Therefore, to solve this problem of the customer, Consumer Rights were introduced. Consumer Protection is an act that provides adequate protection to customers against any unfair trade practices, exploitative, and unscrupulous practices of businesses (including manufacturers and service providers).
Right to Safety
According to Right to Safety, consumers have a right to protection against the marketing of products and services that could endanger their lives or property. It is crucial for customers’ secure and safe lives and entails consideration for both their immediate needs and long term interests.
Gas cylinders, electrical appliances, and other products occasionally have production flaws that endanger the consumer’s life, health, and property. Thus, the right to safety shields consumers from the purchase of risky goods and services.
Right to Information
According to the right to information, a customer has the right to know the amount, kind, standard, price, and quality of the products and services they are purchasing. The primary goal of this right is to safeguard customers from any abusive and deceptive business activities.
A manufacturer is required by law to give consumers the necessary information at a convenient location. In India, producers are required by law to include all pertinent information on the product’s container and label in order to comply with the right to information.
Right to Choose
According to the concept of the “right to choose,” a customer has the freedom to select the products and services they deem appropriate. In layman’s words, it means that consumers are guaranteed the ability, availability, and access to a variety of goods and services at a reasonable cost.
Here, a fair price equates to a competitive price. Retailers, producers, or merchants cannot compel customers to buy a particular brand; instead, customers are free to select any brand that appeals to them.
Right to Representation
The consumer has the right to be heard, to speak up for their interests, or to speak for themselves, according to the Right to be Heard Act. Simply put, a consumer has the right to be heard and the assurance that their interests will be taken into consideration if they feel that a business has taken advantage of them or if they have a complaint about a firm, commodity, or service. It is crucial for businesses to establish a complaint cell so they can address client complaints in order to fulfill this entitlement.
Right to Seek Redressal
According to the Right to Seek Redressal, consumers are entitled to redress and compensation in the event of exploitation or other unfair business practises. Simply put, the goal of this right is to protect the consumer from exploitation.
Depending on how the consumer feels, compensation may take the form of cash, replacement items, or repairs for damaged goods. The government has established a number of forums for grievance settlement at both the state and federal levels in order to realize this entitlement.
Right to Consumer Education
According to the right to consumer education, every consumer has the right to educate themselves so they can make informed decisions. Illiterate consumers are unable to obtain the necessary information, understand their rights, or take action.
This ensures that consumers who are illiterate can learn about their rights, current laws, and organisations set up to protect them. The Indian government has mandated that consumer education be included in all university courses and on the school curricula for the same reason.