Rights of Consumer under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in India, significantly enhances consumer rights and provides a robust mechanism for the redressal of consumer complaints. It replaces the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986, bringing in more comprehensive provisions to address the contemporary challenges faced by consumers.

1. Right to Safety

Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. This includes the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods or services.

2. Right to be Informed

Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods, services, or products to make an informed decision. This right ensures that consumers are protected against misleading advertising and labeling.

3. Right to Choose

The right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. This right ensures that consumers have a variety of options to choose from, allowing them to select goods or services that best meet their needs.

4. Right to be Heard

The Act ensures that consumer interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also ensures that consumers have the right to be heard and to be assured that their interests will be considered at relevant forums.

5. Right to Seek Redressal

Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation. The Act provides for the establishment of consumer courts and outlines the process for the redressal of grievances.

6. Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be an informed consumer. The Act encourages the dissemination of information on consumer rights and the promotion of consumer awareness.

7. Right to File a Complaint from Anywhere

The Act introduces a provision that allows consumers to file complaints electronically and from anywhere, making the process more accessible and efficient.

8. Right to Seek Compensation under Product Liability

The Act introduces the concept of product liability, where a manufacturer or service provider is held liable to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective products or deficiency in services.

9. Right against Unfair Contracts

The Act protects consumers from unfair contract terms that significantly reduce their rights and increase the rights of manufacturers or service providers.

10. Right against Unfair Trade Practices

Consumers are protected against marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and safety. It also includes protection against unfair trade practices in the marketing of goods and services.