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It is necesssary to protect consumers because is a part of society, the basic function of business is to satisfy human needs, and consumers are now more aware of their rights.

What is Consumer Exploitation ?

Consumer exploitation means harming the interests of consumer in various ways. When consumers in various ways. When consumers donot get value for their money due to dishonesty on the part of traders and/ or manufactures, consumer exploitation takes place. Consumers feel cheated. Sometimes, consumers are not even aware that they are being exploited. Consumer exploitation violates the basic rights of consumers.

Types of Consumer Exploitation

1. Overcharging
2. Adulteration
3. Misleading Advertising
4. Under weighing
5. Not infroming consumers about adverse imapct of the product.

The Consumer Protection ACT, 2019

Several laws had been passed to protect consumers. The Contract Act, 172, The Sale of goods Act, 1930, The Agricultural Produce/Trading and Marketing Act, 1937, The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, The Preventions of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices, (MRTP) Act, 1969, The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, etc Consumer Protection Act, 1986

The definition of 'consumer' under the 2019 Act includes all those who buys any goods for consideration or avails/ hires any service either through offline or online mode, involving electronic means, telescoping, direct selling or multilevel marketing.

Salient Features of the Act

1. Social Welfare Law
2. Comprehensive Provisions and Effective Safeguards
3. Special Consumer Courts
4. Three- Tier Grievance Redressal Machinery
5. Simple and Inexpensive
6. Covers goods and Services
7. Time Frame
8. Class Action
9. Check on Unfair Trade Practices
10. Check on Overcharging
11. Consumer Protection Councils
12. Establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

Rights of the Consumer

The Consumer Protections Act Provides for the following rights of consumers

1. Right to Safety : Right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
2. Right to be Informed : Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods or services so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices
3. Right to Choose : Right to be assured, wherever possible, access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
4. Right to be Heard : Right to be heard and to be assured that consumers' interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums
5. Right to Seek Redressal : Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers
6. Right to Consumer Education : Right to be educated about consumer rights and remedies available to them.