[TNPSC Indian Polity Study Materials] Consumer Protection Forum - Notes

In this Topic, we need to cover the following

1. Important Days Related to Consumer Rights
2. Consumer Guidance Society of India (1966)
3. Consumer Protection Act (COPRA), 1986
4. Rights of Consumer
5. Different Levels of Consumer Protection Agencies
6. Consumer Court

Important Days Related to Consumer Rights

1. World Consumer Rights Day - March 15
2. National Consumer Rights Day - December 24

Consumer Guidance Society of India (1966)

• First Consumer Organisation Established in India - 1966
• A Non-Government Non-Profit Organisation to create public awareness about consumer rights.
• 'Keemat' - a bi-monthly magazine published by it which is also India's first monthly consumer magazine.

Consumer Protection Act (COPRA), 1986

• Came to Force on December 24, 1986.
• Also Called as 'Consumer's Magna Carta'
• Objective: To Protect the Rights of the Consumers

Rights of Consumers

(a) the right to be protected against marketing of goods which are hazardous to life and property;

(b) the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices;

(c) the right to be assured, wherever possible, access to an authority of goods at competitive prices;

(d) the right to be heard and to be assured that consumers interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums;

(e) The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers; and

(f)    right to consumer education.