Its core activities are: to inform consumers; to eliminate hazardous products from the market and ensure that products and services comply with required standards and to receive, mediate and provide redress to consumer complaints.

Consumer courts were established as Consumer Dispute Resolution Agencies and they deal with consumer disputes, conflicts and grievances. It is a forum where a consumer may file a case against a seller in the case where the consumer feels that he has been cheated or exploited by the seller.

What type of cases are heard in consumer court? Cases that involve a dispute in the nature of a Consumer-Trader/Seller are heard in a Consumer Court. The cases must be either for deficiency in service, damaged goods, hazardous goods or services, unfair or restrictive trade practices, etc.

A dissatisfied consumer can file a complaint directly with the national commission or appeal against decisions of the state commission within a month from the date of the order. The court fee is Rs 5,000 and the demand draft should be in the name of The Registrar, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

Consumer Responsibilities

• Be Aware. Gather all the information and facts available about a product or service, as well as, keep abreast of changes and innovations in the market.
• Beware.
• Think Independently.
• Speak Out.
• Be an Ethical Consumer.
• Complain.
• Share Experience.
• Respect the Environment.

Five consumer responsibilities include staying informed, reading and following instructions, using products and services properly, speaking out against wrongdoing and lawfully purchasing goods and services.

• Inform Yourself Before Purchasing.
• Read and Follow Instructions.
• Use Products and Services Property.

Consumers have five responsibilities: critical awareness; action; social concern; environmental awareness; and solidarity.

Objectives of consumer protection act

• To Provide better and all round protection to consumer.
• To Provide machinery for the speedy redressal of the grievances.
• To Create framework for consumers to seek redressal.
• To Provide rights to consumers.
• To Safeguarde rights of Consumers.

The Right to Safety and protection from hazardous goods or services. The Right to be Informed and protected against fraudulent, deceitful or misleading information and to have access to accurate information and facts needed to make informed choices and decisions.

Consumers’ lack of information or bargaining power. False advertising and deceptive business practices. Consumer fraud issues. Predatory lending and financial scams. Issues regarding product safety and defects.

Consumer Rights Vs Responsibilities

Consumer Rights in India. The definition of Consumer right is ‘the right to have information about the quality, potency, quantity, purity, price and standard of goods or services’, as it may be the case, but the consumer is to be protected against any unfair practices of trade.

Consumer law helps to make sure that customers are aware of what they are buying, such as the ingredients in food; that advertising is fair and does not mislead; that debt collection is fair, and nearly every step in the buying and selling of goods is ordered towards creating a level playing field.

Salient Features of Consumer Protection Act 2019

• Definition of Consumer.
• Rights of consumers.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority.
• E-commerce.
• Grounds to File Complaints.
• Product Liability.
• Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
• Penalties for false or misleading advertisements.