MEANING OF CONSUMER PROTECTION TO PROTECT THE CONSUMERS AGAINST THE UNFAIR PRACTICES OF THE PRODUCERS AND SELLERS IS CALLED CONSUMER PROTECTION CONSUMERS ARE THE KING OF THE MARKET AND HIS EVERY NEEDS AND DEMAND IS TO BE FULLFILED AND PROTECTED AGAINST ANY KIND OF MISLEADING ACTIVITIES.

HOW ARE CONSUMERS EXPLOITED THROUGH ADULTERATION OF CONSUMER GOODS POOR QUALITY OF GOODS AND SERVICES MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENT SHORT MEASURE AND UNDER WEIGHT GOODS CREATION OF ARTIFICIAL SCARCITY BY HOARDING GOODS

EXAMPLES OF CONSUMER EXPLOITATION IN INDIA A Manufacturer of sunflower oil claims in the advt. published in a national daily that his oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and so on. On testing all claims were found false. Instant noodles can only be sold in the packing of 100 gms but in case of some manufacturers there are just 80 gms noodles in the packet. A women get admitted in a hospital for an appendix operation but doctors treated her negligently and removed her gall bladder instead of appendix and as a result the women died.

Who is a consumer A person will be termed as consumer if : (i) he buys goods or hires services for consideration (ii) he uses goods with the approval of the buyer (iii) he uses goods bought or services hired exclusively for earning livelihood by self employment

Legal protection to consumers The Consumer Protection Act 1986 The Contract Act 1982 The Sales of Goods Act 1930 The Essential Commodities Act 1955 The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 The Standards of Weights and measures Act 1976 The Trade Mark Act 1999 The Competition Act 2002

Consumer Protection Act 1986 Consumer Protection Act provides protection to the consumer, passed by the parliament in 1986 and came into force with affect from july 1987.The Act extends to whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.It was amended twice i.e. in 1993 and The act provides for the formation of Consumer Protection Councils both at the centre and in the states.

Salient features of Consumer Protection Act Coverage of items : This act is applicable on all products and services. Coverage of sector: This act is applicable to all areas whether private, public or cooperative. Compensatory nature of provisions as it compensates the consumer for the losses. Group of consumer’s rights. Effective safeguards

Consumers Rights Right to safety Right to be informed/Right to be represented Right to choose Right to be heard Right to seek redressal (compensation, free repair of goods taking back of products etc) Right to consumer education Right to basic needs and Right to healthy environment provided by UNO

Consumer’s Responsibilities Consumers must exercise his Rights. Cautious consumer do not buy blindly. Filing complaint for the Redressal of Genuine Grievances. Do not compromise on Quality. Beware of false advertisement. Don’t forget to take receipt and guarantee card.

Three tier Judicial Machinery under the Consumer Protection Act District Forum at district level (upto 20 lakh) State commission at state level (above Rs 20 lakh but less than 1 crore). National commission at national level (exceeding Rs 1 crore).

WAYS AND MEANS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION SELF REGULATION BY BUSINESS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CONSUMER AWARENESS CONSUMER ORGANISATION GOVERMENT

ROLE OF CONSUMERORGANISATIONS&NON GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS ACCELARATING CONSUMER AWARENESS COLLECTING DATA ON DIFFERENT PRODUCTS EXTENDING SUPPPORT TO GOVERNMENT HELPING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS FILING SUIT ON BEHALF OF CONSUMERS