Page 2 - Lesson Note 2

organisations are also working towards this direction and helping consumers in redressal of their
grievances.

5. Right to seek Redressal: The consumer has a right to get relief in case the product or service
falls short of his expectations. The Consumer Protection Act provides a number of reliefs to the
consumers including replacement of the product, removal of defect in the product, compensation
paid for any loss or injury suffered by the consumer, etc.

6. Right to Consumer Education: The consumer has a right to acquire knowledge and to be a
well-informed consumer throughout life. He should be aware about his rights and the reliefs
available to him in case of a product or service falling short of his expectations. Many consumer
organisations and some enlightened businesses are taking an active part in educating consumers
in this respect.

The Consumer Protection Act by conferring these rights on the consumers empowers them to
fight against any unscrupulous, exploitative and unfair trade practices adopted by sellers. The
Box on East Delhi eatery shows how a restaurant owner was fined for overpricing bottled water.

Consumer rights, by themselves, cannot be effective in achieving the objective of consumer
protection. Consumer protection can, in effect, be achieved only when the consumers also
understand their responsibilities.

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

A consumer should keep in mind the following responsibilities while purchasing, using and
consuming goods and services.
(i) Be aware about various goods and services available in the market so that an intelligent and
wise choice can be made.
(ii) Buy only standardised goods as they provide quality assurance. Thus, look for ISI mark on
electrical goods, FPO mark on food products, Hallmark on jewelry etc.
(iii) Learn about the risks associated with products and services, follow manufacturer’s
instructions and use the products safely.
(iv) Read labels carefully so as to have information about prices, net weight, manufacturing and
expiry dates, etc.
(v) Assert yourself to ensure that you get a fair deal.
(vi) Be honest in your dealings. Choose only from legal goods and services and discourage
unscrupulous practices like black-marketing, hoarding etc.
(vii) Ask for a cash memo on purchase of goods or services. This would serve as a proof of the
purchase made.
(viii) File a complaint in an appropriate consumer forum in case of a shortcoming in the quality
of goods purchased or services availed. Do not fail to take an action even when the amount
involved is small.