Who is a Consumer?
A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use, not for resale.
Your Six Consumer Rights:
Right to Safety: Protection from hazardous goods (e.g., electrical appliances with ISI mark).
Right to be Informed: Know the details of the product – MRP, expiry date, ingredients, quantity.
Right to Choose: Access to a variety of products at competitive prices.
Right to be Heard: Consumer interests will be considered in forums.
Right to Seek Redressal: Against unfair or restrictive trade practices.
Right to Consumer Education: Awareness about rights and remedies.
Quality Marks:
ISI mark: For industrial products.
Agmark: For agricultural products.
FPO mark: For processed fruit products.
Hallmark: For gold jewellery.
Legal Protection:
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery:
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF) – for claims up to ₹1 crore.
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) – for claims between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore.
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) – for claims above ₹10 crore.
How to File a Complaint:
Keep the bill or receipt.
Write a complaint letter to the consumer forum.
You can also file online at consumerhelpline.gov.in.
