Rights of a CONSUMER : As a consumer we enjoy certain rights such as:-
1. Right to safety * Right to be informed * Right to choose
2. Right to be heard * Right to seek Redressal * Right to consumer education
3. Right to Basic needs * Right to healthy environment
Who can file a complaint:
1. A Consumer
2. Any Voluntary Consumer Organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Companies Act, 1951 or any other Law for the time being in force.
3. The Central Government.
4. The State Govt. or UT Administration.
What constitutes a complaint:
1. If you have suffered loss or damage as a result of any unfair/ restrictive trade practice adopted by the trader.
2. If the goods purchased suffer from any defect.
3. If the services hired/availed of suffer from deficiencies in any respect.
4. If you have been charged a price in excess of the price displayed or fixed by or under any law in force.
5. If the goods hazardous to life and safety, are being offered for sale to public in contravention of any law in force.
Relief available to consumers:
1. Removal of defects from the goods.
2. Replacement of the goods.
3. Refund of the prepaid.
4. Award of compensation for the loss or injury suffered.
5. Removal of defects or deficiencies in the services.
6. Award for adequate costs to parties.
Where to file the complaint : The Act provides a 3-tier quasi- judicial system for effective disposal of consumer disputes:-
1. District Forum for each district.
2. State Commission of every State.
3. National Commission at national Level.
4. Filing of Complaints depends upon the cost of the goods or services or the compensation asked.
Financial involvements in complaints and respective Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums :
1. It is less than Rs. 20 lakhs — in District Forum.
2. If more than Rs. 20 lakhs but less then Rs. 1 crore — before the State Commission.
3. If more than Rs.1crore—before the National Commission
4. No lawyer required for filling the complaint
5. Nominal court fee.
Procedure for filing a complaint :
A complaint can be filed on a plain paper (in triplicate) to the concern consumer forum within 2(two) years from the date of action /injury or loss or grievance occurred. It should contain:
A complaint in relation to any goods or services sold or delivered or agreed to be delivered or provided may be filled with the forum by :-he date of action /injury or loss or grievance occurred. It should contain:
The Law provides for specified time frame for speedy disposal of complaints from Forum where initial complaints is lodged. Time schedule are as follows :
Every complaint should be accompanied by prescribed fees as indicated in the following points :