21-07-2012, 04:06 PM
Consumer protection Act
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Introduction
A consumer protection Act, 1986, provides for the better protection of consumers. Unlike existing laws which are punitive or preventive in nature, the provisions of this Act are compensatory in nature.
The act is intended to provide simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to the consumers' grievances, award relief and compensation wherever appropriate to the consumer.
RIGHTS ENJOYED BY CONSUMER
• Right to be protected against the marketing of goods and service that is hazardous to life and property.
• Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
• Right to choice wherever possible , access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
• Right to be heard and to be assured that consumers' interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums;
• Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
• Right to consumer education.
• Right to clean and healthy environment
STRUCTURE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
The Act envisages a three- tier quasi-judicial machinery at the National, State and District levels.
• wumer ith complaints involving Redressal Commissions - known as "State Commission.
• " deals District Disputes Redressal Forums costs and compensation higher than Rs. 20 lakhs.
• State ConsConsumer National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission - known as "National CommissionDisputes known as "District Forum.
WHAT IS CONSUMER COMPLAINT?
Under the Consumer Protection Act, a complaint means any allegation in writing made by a complainant in regard to one or more of the following:-
Any unfair trade practice as defined in the Act or restrictive trade practices like tie-up sales adopted by any trader.
One or more defects in goods. The goods hazardous to life and safety, when used,are being offered for sale to public in contravention of provisions of any law for the time being in force.
Deficiencies in services.
A trader charging excess of price.