What Are The Different Consumer Rights & Responsibilities In India?

Consumer Rights In India

Consumers in India are legally protected against unfair trade practices, fraud, and unsafe products. The Consumer Protection Act 2019 ensures their right to safety, information, choice, redressal, and fair treatment in the marketplace.

1. Right To Safety

As a customer, you have a basic need to be safe from risky products and services. This includes:

• Products entering the market require BIS Certification or ISI Mark because they must pass electrical safety and product standards for toys and industrial goods.

• The Food Safety Standards Authority of India tests food products to confirm they have no harmful elements and follow correct quality standards.

• In 2023 India blocked unsafe food ingredients and ordered manufacturers to recall electronic devices linked to fire threats.

2. Right To Information

Customers need to receive every aspect of product information without errors. The right to information covers:

• All food items require a visible presentation of their price tag along with ingredient listing product origin and valid shelf dates.

• Online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart need to show who sells their goods plus verify that products are real and not fake.

• The Legal Metrology Act of 2009 imposes sanctions on companies that mislead consumers through wrong product markings.

3. Right To Choose

Customers can freely pick their desired products and services without dealing with monopoly limitations.

• Businesses cannot make customers sign agreements that hurt their rights.

• The government required online retailers to explain their return and refund practises more effectively starting in 2024.

• Legitimate banking standards from the Reserve Bank of India allow financial institutions to give different loans and investment methods without making customers choose certain products.

Also Read: How To File A Complaint In Consumer Court? Here IS A Simple Guide!

4. Right To Be Heard

Consumers maintain the power to speak with authorities about their problems.

• The National Consumer Helpline 1800-11-4000 remains available at all times as a toll-free number to submit customer complaints.

• Users may quickly submit complaints using the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and INGRAM web tools.

• Under new e-commerce dispute resolution rules, online platforms must now resolve commercial disputes within 48 working hours.

5. Right To Seek Redressal

Consumers hold the right to ask for fair complaint resolutions by using legal and oversight organisations.

• Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions exist with authority over grievances at district, state and national levels.

• A consumer won ₹10 lakh in 2023 from a faulty vehicle case.

• The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules require that online complaints reach a 30-day resolution.

6. Right To Consumer Education

Every customer needs learning tools to understand products before buying.

• The government uses advertisements and digital media to teach people their consumer rights.

• The Reserve Bank of India provides public safety education by showing how digital banks can be misused.

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training made consumer rights a mandatory part of the high school education system in 2024.