Feb 16, 2004 04:12 PM
1945 Views
(Updated Apr 15, 2004 08:56 PM)
The laws relating to consumer protection in India were very much ineffective prior to 1986.
The Central Government passed Consumer Protection Act to protect the consumers from the unfair trade practices of Businessmen.
The Act recognizes six rights of the consumers
Right to Choose
Right to Safety (from hazardous products)
Right to be informed (about the features of the product)
Right to be heard (consumer can register his complaints with the trader)
Right to Redress and
Right to Consumer Education
To solve the consumer disputes there is a three tier system in India
National Commission: It is like the Supreme Court for Consumer Disputes. The national commission is at Delhi. It deals with complaints where compensation claimed is more than Rs. 20 lakh. It also deals with appeals made against the orders of subordinate courts.
State Commission: The State Commission is at the Capital of each State. It deals with complaints where compensation exceeds 5 lakhs and is less than 20 lakhs. It also deals with appeals made against the orders of District Forum.
District Forum: There is a District Forum for each district. It deals with complaints where compensation is less than 5 lakhs.
An individual can file a complaint himself or through his lawyer.
The addresses to various consumer courts are available at https://consumercourt.netfirms.com/consumercourtcourtaddress.htm
Procedure for registering your complaints:
Complaints against all private, public and cooperative business sectors can be registered.
You can even sue doctors for medical malpractice.
The complaints should be addressed to the head of the forum i.e. the President.
You should give adequate information about the product like date of purchase, model number, number of days used, defects, guarantee period, etc.
You should submit a copy of cash memo or bill as proof of purchase for e.g. you can submit a copy of your ticket if your complaint is against an airline.
In most cases (5 out of 10), you get compensation. Sometimes the trader or company solves the matter outside the court.
Any person who fails to comply with the order of any court is punishable with imprisonment for one month to three years OR fine of Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10000 (the amount is too less) OR Both.
If you are not satisfied with an order of National Commission, you can appeal in the Supreme Court.
