(i) Right to safety : The consumers have the right to be protected against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
(ii) Right to be informed : The consumers have the right to know about the quality, quantity and price of goods and services, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date, and the address of the manufacturer. This right has been provided to the consumer so that consumer can approach the courts if cheated. In recent times, the Right to Information has been expanded through Right to Information Act.
In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI Act, which ensures the citizens all the information about the functioning of government departments.
(iii) Right to choose : Consumers have the right to assess the variety of goods and services at competitive price. In case of a single supplier, the consumers have the right of be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price. This right gives the consumer a surety that no producer can force him/her to purchase a particular brand or product.
(iv) Right to seek redressal : This is the most important right. The consumer has the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If any damage has been done to the consumer, he/she has the right to get compensation depending upon degree of damage. You might be interested to know how an aggrieved person gets his/her compensation.
(v) Right to be heard : Means consumer’s interest will receive due consideration at appropriate forums. It also include right to represent in various forums.
