Consumers exploitation means the exploitation of the consumers from unfair trade practices of the producers of consumer goods. Trading classes are putting their all out efforts to exploit the consumers as they are the most confused and unorganised persons in modern Indian Economy. Adulteration, substandard packed goods, use of non-standard weights or misleading and fabricated advertisements are such activities which exploit the consumers to a large extent.
Methods of Consumers’ Protection. In order to protect consumers’ interest, the govt, has enacted the following legislations:
- Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
- The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976.
- The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1976. ‘
- The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969.
- The Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.
- Consumers’ Protection Act, 1986.
In order to redress the grievances of the consumers at very low expenses and for their early disposal ‘Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums’ have been established at the district, state and national levels. Along with this, consumer protection councils have also been established to protect the interest of the consumers. They can lodge a complaint. Besides this consumer education and consumer organisations also play a vital role to protect the interests of the consumers.