Question

Discuss the rights given to the consumers under the Consumer Protection Act.

Hint:

Mnemonic for core rights: \textbf{SIC-HER} = Safety, Information, Choice, Heard, Education, Redressal.

Answer 1

Step 1: Aim of the Act.
The Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) safeguards buyers from unfair trade practices, defective goods, and deficient services, and provides quick & simple dispute redressal through consumer courts.
Step 2: Right to Safety.
Consumers have the right to be protected against goods & services hazardous to life and property (e.g., electrical appliances, medicines, food). Authorities can order recall, refund, or discontinuation of unsafe products.
Step 3: Right to be Informed.
Consumers must receive true & complete information about quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, price, ingredients, manufacturing/expiry dates, warranty, risks, etc., enabling informed choice. Misleading advertisements are punishable.
Step 4: Right to Choose.
Freedom to select from a variety of goods/services at competitive prices and to be protected from coercive selling or tie-in sales.
Step 5: Right to be Heard.
Consumer interests must be given due consideration in appropriate forums—grievances can be raised before the seller, regulator, or consumer commissions without intimidation.
Step 6: Right to Seek Redressal.
Consumers can claim replacement, repair, refund, compensation, or removal of defects/deficiencies through a 3-tier redressal system (District, State, National Commissions). Class actions are allowed for collective harm.
Step 7: Right to Consumer Education.
Right to acquire knowledge about consumer rights, safe use, complaint procedures, and awareness of unfair practices—through curricula, campaigns, and official portals.
Step 8: (Practice) E-commerce & product liability.
The Act covers online purchases; marketplaces must display seller details, grievance contacts, return/refund terms. Product liability holds manufacturer/seller/service provider responsible for harm caused by defects/deficiency.
Step 9: Conclusion.
Together, these rights ensure transparency, choice, safety, and effective remedies, empowering consumers against market abuse.