The Consumer Protection Act provides for the following rights of consumer:
1. The right of safety: This is the right to be protected against the marketing of goods which are hazardous to life and property. There are various risks involved in the consumption and use of products, such as food, drugs, toys, electrical appliances, etc. For example, gas cylinder, if not sealed properly may cause injury or even death. The consumers have the right to get protection against such risks.
2. The right to choose: The consumer should be assured access to a variety of goods at competitive prices. This means the seller should not use aggressive selling techniques to sell the product to the consumer. There should be freedom to choose from alternative products. This requires free competition in the market. If enough varieties of products at competitive prices are available in the market, consumers have the opportunity to make a free choice.
3. The right to be informed: The consumer has the right to be informed about the quality, potency, purity, standard and price of the goods he intends to pinchase.
4. The right to be heard: The consumer has a right to register his dissatisfaction and get his complaint heard at appropriate forums. This right includes the right to make protest. The above three rights are meaningless without the right to be heard. Therefore, grievances and claims of consumers must be heard and considered.
5. The right to seek redressal: It means the right to get claims and complaints settled against manufacturers or sellers due to unfair trade practices and exploitation by them. The consumer has been granted the right of redress if the performance, quality, etc., of a product is unsatisfactory. The product must be repaired, replaced of taken back by the seller. The right to seek redressal will reduce post-purchase doubts and grievances of consumers.
