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World Consumer Rights Day 2021: Know history, significance, consumer rights in India

The World Consumer Rights Day 2021 theme is to gather all the consumers in a fight to "Tackle Plastic Pollution".

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The World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on March 15. The day is observed to raise awareness about a consumer's rights and needs so as to enable the consumer to fight against social injustices. The World Consumer Rights Day 2021 theme is to gather all the consumers in a fight to "Tackle Plastic Pollution".

History

The consumer movement in India started in 1966 from Maharashtra. After the establishment of the Grahak Panchayat in Pune in the year 1974, institutions for consumer welfare were formed in many states and this movement continued to grow. On 9 December 1986, the Consumer Protection Bill was passed on the initiative of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and came into force nationwide after the President's signature. Last year, on 20 July, an amendment in this law has been made to make customers more empowered, competent.

The Central Government has made several major changes in the Consumer Protection Act. After the enactment of the new consumer law, the accountability of companies and artists who advertise for them has become more than ever. The government has also included e-commerce companies under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Consumer Protection Act, 2019).

Consumer right in India-

1. Can file complaint anywhere

Under the new rule, consumers can now file a complaint in any commission. Earlier, the case used to be registered only where the goods manufacturing company's office was situated.

2. Celebrities accountable too

Now, the provision of punishment and fine has also been applied to celebrities for misleading advertisements. In such a situation, celebrities now choose advertisements after thinking very carefully.

3. Online shopping companies included

E-commerce companies have been included in the new law. That is, now online shoppers do not have to depend on customer care for the product or service, they can also register their complaint.

4. Vendor also in scope

Now the seller will also be under the purview of this law. If a shopkeeper is selling goods at more than the fixed MRP, then legal action is possible against him.

5. Fine or jail on adulteration practice

Now, food items have also been brought under the purview of this law. That is, there is a provision of fine and jail on companies for adulteration of food and drink. Sentence of 6 months in case of adulteration, while death of a customer due to adulteration can be punishable with life imprisonment.

6. Complaint handling

Earlier, up to Rs 20 lakhs at the district level, Rs 1 crore at the state level, while complaints of more than this amount could be heard at the national level. Now, the District Commission has gone up to Rs 1 crore, the State Commission will hear cases of funds up to Rs 10 crores, while complaints of higher value cases can be appealed at the national level.

7. Class action suits against companies

If different cases of a company against its product are in many places, then big companies will have to be afraid of class action suits in India too.

8. Department will become an intermediary

Customer arbitration cell has been formed, now both parties can opt for arbitration by mutual consent.

9. Right to information to the customer

Under this, he can get information about the product or service, such as information about the quantity, capacity, quality, purity, level and price of the item.

10. Customer's right to redress grievances

It has been made mandatory for the company to redress any problem or inconvenience of the customer.

11. Company can not pressurize for service or product

The customer cannot be forced to make a purchase. Till the customer is not convinced and does not check the item, he cannot be asked to purchase it forcibly.

12. Those who advertise in exaggerated manner can go to jail

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), an organization that examines the authenticity of advertisements, the Consumer Protection Act 2019, has advised all advertisers to avoid promoting misleading information.

The ASCI has hoped that the new act will have a significant impact on misleading advertisements. ASCI will soon begin monitoring potential misleading advertisements appearing on digital media with surveillance on print and TV. Under this new law, consumers can register their complaints with the District or State Consumer Commissioner, where they reside, rather than from where they purchased the above product / service.

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