Consumer Protection Test - 31

Consumer protection measures focus on addressing grievances related to unethical practices in the sale of goods, such as adulteration, counterfeiting, and sub-standard quality.

Several key players contribute to achieving the objective of consumer protection, including:

1. Government
2. Business associations
3. Self-regulation by businesses

The National Commission consists of a President and at least 4 other members, one of whom should be a woman. The President are appointed by the central government, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. So the statement given in option (A) is wrong.

Right to Information Act is being violated in the given case.

Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information. It is an initiative taken by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions to provide a– RTI Portal Gateway to the citizens for quick search of information on the details of first Appellate Authorities, PIOs, etc. amongst others, besides access to RTI related information/disclosures published on the web by various Public Authorities under the government of India as well as the State Governments.

The right to seek redressal is defined as the right to seek compensation due to damage caused by unfair trade practices and exploitation. The compensation awarded depends on the degree of damage. Consumers have the right to get their claims settled in their favor in case of being cheated and exploited by the producers. Under the Consumer Protection Act 1986, a three-tier judicial system has been formed. This act provides the establishment of consumer dispute redressal agencies at district, state, and national levels. Consumers can invoke their right to redressal and right to represent. We may give the example of a person who is dissatisfied with services provided by say MTNL, BSNL, or Airtel and thereafter files a case at the consumer court.

The right to choose is a very emotive subject because it straddles social, moral, and economic spheres. In the context of feminist theory, the right to choice refers to the right of a woman to reproductive freedom. In a democracy, we exercise our right to choose our leaders through an electoral mandate. Choice is indicative of the degree of freedom in a society. The more mature a society, the more choices are available to its people in every sphere. The Consumer Protection Act describes the right to choice as the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.

Consumer Protection Act, 1986: To resolve consumer complaints in an easier and faster way, the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 was passed. It included:

1. Right to Safety: A consumer has the right to safety against such goods and services as are hazardous to his health, life, and property.
2. Right to be heard: This means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also includes the right to be represented in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare.
3. Right to be informed: This means the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
4. Right to choose: Means the right to be assured, wherever possible of access to a variety of goods and services at a competitive price.
5. Right to consumer education: This means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout life. Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation. 
6. Right to Seek redressal: This means the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes the right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer.

Right to consumer education, reflects the importance of consumers knowing their rights and being able to exercise them effectively. Consumer education empowers individuals by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed choices, assert their rights, and navigate the marketplace confidently. By understanding their rights, consumers can advocate for themselves, make better purchasing decisions, and hold businesses accountable for fair and ethical practices. Therefore, the right to consumer education plays a crucial role in promoting a fair and transparent marketplace and enhancing consumer welfare.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 of our country's right to a healthy environment is not covered.

Six rights for consumers under (COPRA) 2019:

• Right to be heard
• Right to be informed
• Right to Safety
• Right to Consumer Education
• Right to Choose
• Right to Seek redressal

The scope of consumer protection

• The Consumer Protection Act is an act that protects the rights of consumers.
• This act makes the consumers aware of their rights and importance.
• This act educates them, this act helps them to file a case against mishappenings that took place,
• This act provides them a special platform.
• This act is important from a business and a consumer point of view also.
• Consumer Protection Act is all pervasive in the market.
• Those who go against these acts a case is filed and the dealer will be behind bars.