If you are a consumer and have fallen prey to fraud by being lured by attractive advertisements or by the tricks of the market, then the weapon of consumer protection is like a Brahmastra for you, but the condition is that you yourself will have to be vigilant for this. You will have to take the initiative yourself. There are different parameters to measure the purity of products. If there are no marks of ISI, Agmark or Hallmark on the packet, then it is not right to trust the quality of the product.

Provision of jail and fine in the new law

If customers are cheated through false advertisements, poor quality products, low quantity and inadequate services, then complaints should be made on the appropriate platform. Apart from the District and State Commissions, solutions can be found from the helpline number of the Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), e-Jagrati and e-Dakhila platforms. The new Act provides for jail or fine according to the loss suffered by the customers. Cyber ​​crime cases are not taken up under this Act.

The shopkeeper cannot refuse to take back the goods

Earlier, unfair trade was only prevalent in the market and now many companies have started selling online. Every day, substandard products worth crores of rupees are sold. Therefore, customers should be aware of their rights. If defects are found in the purchased goods, the concerned shopkeeper cannot refuse to take them back or replace them. If this is done, the shopkeeper can be dragged to the Consumer Commission.

The consumer has six fundamental rights

The Consumer Protection Act-2019 gives six fundamental rights, which include the right to safety, information, choice of products, hearing on complaints and seeking solution to the problem, as well as the right to awareness. Customers have the right to get information about the quantity, purity, standard, price and quality of the product. Secretary of the Consumer Affairs Department Nidhi Khare says that due to getting quick solution in many cases, people's trust in the consumer redressal system is increasing.

A proper bill is a must

The new law has provision for selection of products as per your choice, redressal of fraud and compensation if the complaint is found to be true. A proper bill of any purchase will be required for proof. The process of providing solution has also been simplified. The complaint can be filed in the same commission in whose area the customer or the other party lives. Acceptance has to be decided within three weeks of submitting the complaint letter. If this is not done, the case will be listed automatically.

Three solution platforms

There are three levels of courts for the convenience of consumers. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions have been set up at the district, state and central levels. Complaints can be filed in these courts either online or offline. In case of offline, the complaint will have to be filed in the district first. If the solution is not found there, an appeal can be made to the State Commission within 30 days. If satisfaction is not found there also, an appeal can be made to the National Commission within a month.

call on toll free number

The complaint letter should contain the names and addresses of both the parties. For quick resolution, complaints can be made in 17 languages ​​through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) toll-free number 1915. Online resolution can be sought through e-filing in district-state level commissions. There is also a facility of video conferencing in national and state level commissions.