National Consumer Rights Day: Tomorrow, December 24th, will be celebrated as National Consumer Rights Day. Remember that every customer has six rights. Learn which rights can be useful and when.

National Consumer Rights Day: Tomorrow, December 24th, National Consumer Rights Day will be celebrated across the country. This day aims to make people aware of their consumer rights. Often, people make purchases but are unaware of their legal rights. Companies and sellers often take advantage of this lack of awareness.

To prevent this, the central government implemented the Consumer Protection Act 2019, under which every consumer has been given 6 strong rights. Surprisingly, even today, about 99 percent of people are unaware of these rights. Let's tell you about them.

Right to Safety

The right to safety protects consumers from goods and services that could be dangerous to their life or property. This means that no company can sell anything in the market that could harm the customer. If a product causes injury, illness, or poses a threat to life, the consumer can demand compensation. This right is especially important in the case of electronics, food products, and medicines.

Right to Information

The right to information gives the consumer the right to receive complete and accurate information about any goods or services. This includes the quality, quantity, purity, price, and terms of use of the product. If a company sells a product by providing false information, it is considered a violation of the law. The purpose of this right is to enable the customer to make informed decisions and not fall victim to any kind of fraud.

Right Against Forced Purchase

Under this right, no shopkeeper or company can force a customer to buy any goods or services. The customer has every right to compare options and refuse to buy if they don't like something. Sometimes, extra charges, bundled offers, or unwanted services are imposed. In such cases, consumers can exercise this right.

Right to be Heard

The right to be heard gives consumers the opportunity to express their grievances freely. If they experience exploitation during a purchase or receive deficient service, they can raise their voice. They can approach the consumer forum, present their case, and hold the company accountable. This right ensures that the consumer's complaint is not ignored.

Right to Redressal

Under this right, consumers are assured that their complaints will be resolved. If a product is defective or there is a deficiency in service, the customer can claim compensation. The consumer court can impose a fine of up to one lakh rupees and a sentence of up to six months on the guilty company. This is why this right is considered very powerful for consumers.

Right to Consumer Education

The right to consumer education empowers consumers and makes them more informed. Its objective is to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights, relevant laws, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Only when consumers are educated can they protect themselves from misleading advertisements and false claims. This right makes the market more transparent and honest in the long run.

The first Consumer Protection Act in India was enacted on December 24, 1986. As needs changed over time, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was introduced. On National Consumer Day, it is essential for every consumer to know and understand these rights.