2. CONSUMERISM
Consumerism is an organized movement that seeks to
protect the interest and rights of consumers both against
irresponsibile, unethical or unfair practices of business
firm both in the public and private sectors.
Common ways of consumer exploitation
1 Fixation of prices at levels which are not justified by
production and marketing cost.
2 Offering false discount proceeded by a rise in prices.
3 Undisclosed reduction in quality.
4 Giving less quality by using inappropriate weights and
measures.
5 False misleading claims through advertisement.
And many others
3. C P Act
Consumer Protection Act 1986,which provides for a system
for protection of consumer right and the redressal of
consumer disputes .This Act extends to the whole of India
except the state of Jammu &Kashmir.
Objectives
1 Provide for the better protection of the interests of consumer.
2 Provision for the establishment of consumer councils.
3 Authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes
4. Objectives of Councils
The objectives of the central council are to promote and
protect the right of the consumers such as………..
1 The right to protected against marketing of goods and
services which are hazardous to life and property.
2 The right to be informed about the quality , purity ,
standard and prices of good and services so as to protect
consumer against unfair trade practices.
3 The right to be assured ,wherever possible ,access to a
variety of goods at competitive prices.
4 The right to be heard and assured that consumer interests
will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
5 The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or
unscrupulous exploitation of consumer.
5. 6 The right to consumer education.
The objectives of every state council are to protect with in
the state .
6. Remedial Action
1 To remove the defect pointed.
2 To replace the goods with the new goods of the same
description.
3 To return to the complainant the price.
4 To remove the defect or deficiencies in the services in
question.
5 To discontinue the unfair/ restrictive trade practice.
6 Not to offer the hazardous goods for sale .
7 To provide for adequate costs to parties.
8 To pay compensation to the consumer for any loss or
injury suffered by the consumer due to the negligence
of the opposite party.
7. Consumer Disputes Redressed
Agencies
There are two level of consumer disputes redressed
agencies in the state and agency at the national level.
1 A district forum-in each district of every state. If the state
govt. deems it fit, more than one district forum may be
established in a district.
2 A state commission in each state.
3 A national commission.
8. National commission was establishment by the central
govt. in Aug 1988.
A district forum shall consist ……
1-Aperson who is qualified to be a district judge nominated
by state govt.
2-A person who has adequate knowledge of trade or
commerce.
3-A lady social worker.
Each state commission shall consist
1-A person who is the judge of a high court, appointed by the
state govt.
2-Two experience person, have capacity in dealing with
economic, law,accountancy,public affairs one shall be
women.
9. The National commission
1-Aperson who is the judge of supreme court, appointed by
central govt.
2-Two person(same as in state commission)
Penalties
If a trade or a person against whom a complaint is made he shall
be punishable with
Imprisonment for any term not exceeding 3 years or with fine
not exceeding 10 thousand Rs or with both.
10. Consumer Dispute Redressed Agencies Under Consumer
Protection Act
State National
commission commission
District Forum
For dealing case For dealing case
For dealing cases involving Rs involving Rs
involving upto more than 5 and more than 20 lakh
Rs 5 lakh less than 20 lakh and appeals
and appeals against order of
against order of state commission
district fora