The World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every year on March 15. The day is observed to raise awareness about a consumer's rights and needs so that he or she can fight against social injustices. This year, the theme for World Consumer Rights Day is to gather all the consumers in a fight to "Tackle Plastic Pollution".
India passed the Consumer Protection Bill on December 9, 1986, under the initiative of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Last year, on 20th July, amendments were made to the law to empower customers and give the legislative more teeth.
As a consumer, here are some rights that you have and must know about
1. Can file complaint anywhere
Under the new rule, consumers can now file a complaint in any commission. Earlier, the case used to be registered only where the goods manufacturing company's office was situated.
2. Celebrities accountable too
The provision of punishment and fine has also been applied to celebrities for misleading advertisements. In such a situation, celebrities now choose advertisements after thinking very carefully.
3. e-commerce websites included
E-commerce companies have been included in the new law. Now, online shoppers do not have to depend on customer care for the product or service, they can also register their complaint.
4. Fine or jail for food adulteration
Food items have also been brought under the purview of this law. Now, there is a provision of fine and jail on companies for adulteration of food and drinks. A jail sentence of 6 months in case of adulteration, while death of a customer due to adulteration can be punishable with life imprisonment.
5. Right to information for customer
Under this provision, the customer can get information about the product or service, such as information about the quantity, capacity, quality, purity, level and price of the item.
6. Company can't pressurise customer
The customer cannot be forced to make a purchase. Till the customer is not convinced and does not check the item, he cannot be asked to purchase it forcibly.
7. Jail sentence for exaggerated adverts
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), an organization that examines the authenticity of advertisements, the Consumer Protection Act 2019, has advised all advertisers to avoid promoting misleading information. ASCI will soon begin monitoring potential misleading advertisements appearing on digital media with surveillance on print and TV.