Specify the consumer rights to be protected.

Consumer Rights to be Protected

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, recognizes six fundamental consumer rights:

1. Right to Safety

This right protects consumers against goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. It implies that products should meet safety standards and provide adequate warnings about potential risks. For example, a pressure cooker must have a safety valve to prevent explosions. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in setting safety standards for various products.

2. Right to be Informed

Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services. This includes access to information about ingredients, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and potential side effects. For instance, packaged food items are legally required to display nutritional information and ingredients. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates this aspect.

3. Right to Choose

This right ensures that consumers have access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. It protects consumers from monopolies and restrictive trade practices. Consumers should not be forced to buy specific products or services. For example, a telecom provider cannot force a customer to purchase a bundled service they don't need. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) works to prevent anti-competitive practices.

4. Right to be Heard

Consumers have the right to express their grievances and concerns and to have them considered in the design and delivery of goods and services. This right is facilitated through consumer forums and redressal mechanisms. For example, a consumer can file a complaint with a consumer court if they are dissatisfied with a product or service. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, strengthens this right by providing for e-filing of complaints and establishing a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).

5. Right to Seek Redressal

This right guarantees consumers the opportunity to seek compensation for unfair trade practices, defective goods, or deficient services. Redressal mechanisms include replacement of the product, refund of the price, or compensation for damages. The three-tier consumer dispute redressal machinery – District Commission, State Commission, and National Commission – provides avenues for seeking redressal.

6. Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to acquire knowledge and skills to make informed choices about goods and services. This includes awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Government agencies and consumer organizations play a vital role in providing consumer education through workshops, seminars, and publications. The Department of Consumer Affairs actively promotes consumer awareness campaigns.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, also introduces provisions for product liability, unfair contracts, and misleading advertisements, further strengthening consumer protection.

Consumer Right	Description	Example
Right to Safety	Protection against hazardous goods and services.	ISI mark on electrical appliances.
Right to be Informed	Access to accurate information about products.	Nutritional information on food packaging.
Right to Choose	Freedom to select from a variety of options.	Multiple telecom service providers.
Right to be Heard	Opportunity to voice grievances.	Filing a complaint with a consumer forum.
Right to Seek Redressal	Obtaining compensation for unfair practices.	Refund for a defective product.
Right to Consumer Education	Acquiring knowledge about consumer rights.	Consumer awareness campaigns by the government.