The
new consumer protection act 2019 has become more consumers friendly
with powers to the consumer court not only to give compensation but also
award punishment with jail term up to 5 years. The complaints now can
be filed anywhere irrespective of where the cause of action took place
and can be filed online. Recently a company, the seller of its product
as well as the celebrity endorsing it were fined for misleading
advertisement and false claim. The president, secretary and security
agency of a gated society were fined for a case of dog bite in the lift.
In one of my personal case the car company was fined, harassment value
given as well as lawyer’s fee for not providing the alloy spare wheel as
promised and advertised. In Mohali a woman was sent to 6 months jail
after her pet dog bites a neighbor. A large number of big companies like
whirlpool, Rebbok , Godrej consumer, HDFC bank, Insurance companies,
Car manufacturers, Consumer goods manufacturers , service provider,
restaurant association ,etc have been fined and even penalized for
deficiency in service or false claims/advertisements. The act allows
cases to be filed against corporate bodies, medical services provided
not given free, supermarket charging for carry bags, builder buyer
agreement, food products, refund of extra fee by schools, deficiency in
service, false claim and false advertisement, overhead charges,etc.
One has certain legal rights under the act.
1. Right to Safety
The right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services, which are hazardous to life and property.
2. Right to be informed
The
right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity,
standard and price of goods or services, as the case may be so as to
protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
3. Right to Choose
The right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
4. Right to be heard
The right to be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interests will receive due consideration at appropriate fora.
5. Right to Redressal
The
right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or restrictive
trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers..
6. Right to Consumer Education
Before
filing a complaint in consumer forum one can also approach the ministry
of consumer affairs and lodge a complaint there for redressal. These
complaints are handled by concerned and nodal officers in the ministry
and the resolution is time bound. One can take the help of consumer help
line numbers 1800114000,14404 or 1915 or log into www.consumerhelpline.gov.in or through UMANG App also.
Please
do not let the manufacturers, service providers, builders, etc take you for
a ride but approach the ministry of consumer forum for redressal of
your grievances.
