Definition and rights of Consumer
Definition: A. WHO IS A CONSUMER?
A ”consumer” is a person who buys any goods or
hires any service for valuable consideration (including
deferred payment). The term does not include a person
who obtains goods or services for resale or for any
commercial purpose. However, persons who avail
goods or services exclusively for the purpose of earning
their livelihood by means of self employment are
considered as ‘consumers’.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
Rights 1 to 6 are directly guaranteed under the Consumer
Protection Act 1986 while Rights 7&8 are implied under the
Constitution of India.
1. Right to safety
Right to be protected against marketing of goods or services
which are hazardous to life and property.
2. Right to information
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
Right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of
goods and services at competitive prices.
4. Right to be heard
Right to be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interest will
receive due consideration at appropriate fora.
5. Right to redressal
Right to seek redressal against Unfair Trade Practices or
Restrictive Trade Practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
6. Right to consumer education
Right to acquire knowledge and skills needed for taking action to
influence factors which affect consumer decisions.
7. Right to Healthy Environment
The right to physical environment that will enhance the quality of
life. It includes protection against environmental dangers over which
the individual has no control. It acknowledges the need to protect and
improve the environment for present and future generations.
8. Right to basic needs
Right to basic needs ensures basic goods and services which
guarantee survival. It includes adequate food, clothing, shelter, health
care, education and sanitation to lead a decent life. more
A ”consumer” is a person who buys any goods or
hires any service for valuable consideration (including
deferred payment). The term does not include a person
who obtains goods or services for resale or for any
commercial purpose. However, persons who avail
goods or services exclusively for the purpose of earning
their livelihood by means of self employment are
considered as ‘consumers’.
CONSUMER RIGHTS
Rights 1 to 6 are directly guaranteed under the Consumer
Protection Act 1986 while Rights 7&8 are implied under the
Constitution of India.
1. Right to safety
Right to be protected against marketing of goods or services
which are hazardous to life and property.
2. Right to information
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
Right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of
goods and services at competitive prices.
4. Right to be heard
Right to be heard and to be assured that consumer’s interest will
receive due consideration at appropriate fora.
5. Right to redressal
Right to seek redressal against Unfair Trade Practices or
Restrictive Trade Practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
6. Right to consumer education
Right to acquire knowledge and skills needed for taking action to
influence factors which affect consumer decisions.
7. Right to Healthy Environment
The right to physical environment that will enhance the quality of
life. It includes protection against environmental dangers over which
the individual has no control. It acknowledges the need to protect and
improve the environment for present and future generations.
8. Right to basic needs
Right to basic needs ensures basic goods and services which
guarantee survival. It includes adequate food, clothing, shelter, health
care, education and sanitation to lead a decent life. more
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Is there any law where the consumer get the claim in District forum against big companies,public sectors organisations,etc if the amount is less than 5Lakhs ? Mostly these companies go for upper court for appeal while the poor consumers can not meet the expenses towards traveling,advocate charges,etc.More import delay in decision.The claim upto Rs.5.00Lakhs should be decided in District Consumer courts and maximum 2 appeals to be given to the companies,organisations,etc. more
Dec 24
The 7th and 8th Rights mentioned by Ulhas Chitharia are yet not enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act 1986 though socially we feel these to be part of the Rights. more
Sep 06
