The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 ensures the following as rights which every consumer in India should possess.

(i) Right to choice

(ii) Right to information

(iii) Right to redressal

(iv) Right to representation

(v) Right to safety

(vi) Right to consumer education

Categorise the following cases under different heads and mark against each in brackets.

(a) Lata got an electric shock from a newly purchased iron. She complained to the shopkeeper immediately. ()

(b) John is dissatisfied with the services provided by MTNL/BSNL/TATA INDICOM for the past few months. He files a case in the District Level Consumer Forum. ()

(c) Your friend has been sold a medicine that has crossed the expiry date and you are advising her to lodge a complaint ()

(d) Iqbal makes it a point to scan through all the particulars given on the pack of any item that he buys. ()

(e) You are not satisfied with the services of the cable operator catering to your locality but you are unable to switch over to anybody else. ()

(f) You realise that you have received a defective camera from a dealer. You are complaining to the head officer persistently. ()

Right to Safety:

According to this right the consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property, this right is important for safe and secure life. This right includes concern for consumer’s long term interest as well as for their present requirement.

Right to Information:

According to this right the consumer has the right to get information about the quality, quantity, purity, standard and price of goods or service so as to protect himself against the abusive and unfair practices. The producer must supply all the relevant information at a suitable place.

3. Right to Choice:

According to this right every consumer has the right to choose the goods or services of his or her likings. The right to choose means an assurance of availability, ability and access to a variety of products and services at competitive price and competitive price means just or fair price.

Right to be Heard or Right to Representation:

According to this right the consumer has the right to represent him or to be heard or right to advocate his interest. In case a consumer has been exploited or has any complaint against the product or service then he has the right to be heard and be assured that his/her interest would receive due consideration.

This right includes the right to representation in the government and in other policy making bodies. Under this right the companies must have complaint cells to attend the complaints of customers.

5. Right to Seek Redressal:

According to this right the consumer has the right to get compensation or seek redressal against unfair trade practices or any other exploitation. This right assures justice to consumer against exploitation.

Right to Consumer Education:

According to this right it is the right of consumer to acquire the knowledge and skills to be informed to customers. It is easier for literate consumers to know their rights and take actions but this right assures that illiterate consumer can seek information about the existing acts and agencies are set up for their protection.

(a) Lata got an electric shock from a newly purchased iron. She complained to the shopkeeper immediately. (Right to redressal)

(b) John is dissatisfied with the services provided by MTNL/BSNL/TATA INDICOM for the past few months. He files a case in the District Level Consumer Forum. (Right to representation)

(c) Your friend has been sold a medicine that has crossed the expiry date and you are advising her to lodge a complaint (Right to safety)

(d) Iqbal makes it a point to scan through all the particulars given on the pack of any item that he buys. (Right to consumer education)

(e) You are not satisfied with the services of the cable operator catering to your locality but you are unable to switch over to anybody else. (Right to choice)

(f) You realise that you have received a defective camera from a dealer. You are complaining to the head officer persistently. (Right to information)