Describe the rights of consumers under Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Rights of Consumers Under Consumer Protection Act (1986 & Modernized under CPA 2019)

The Consumer Protection Act forms the legislative cornerstone of consumer sovereignty in India, shielding buyers against unfair trade practices, substandard goods, and deficient services.

Core Six Statutory Consumer Rights:

• 1. Right to Safety (सुरक्षा का अधिकार): Right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life, health, and property (e.g., adulterated food, unsafe electricals, spurious drugs).
• 2. Right to be Informed (सूचना पाने का अधिकार): Right to be informed about quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods/services (mandatory labeling: MRP, ingredients, expiry date) to prevent cheating.
• 3. Right to Choose (चयन का अधिकार): Right to be assured access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices without restrictive trade practices or monopolistic market tying.
• 4. Right to be Heard (सुने जाने का अधिकार): Right to voice grievances and receive appropriate consideration at appropriate consumer forums and government policy bodies.
• 5. Right to Seek Redressal (निवारण का अधिकार): Right to seek fair compensation against unfair trade practices or exploitation through a 3-tier quasi-judicial machinery (District Commission up to ₹50L/₹1Cr, State Commission up to ₹10Cr, National Commission above ₹10Cr).
• 6. Right to Consumer Education (उपभोक्ता शिक्षा का अधिकार): Right to acquire knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout life ('Jago Grahak Jago' campaign).

Key Modern Upgrades Under CPA 2019: Establishment of Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), e-filing of complaints (e-Daakhil portal), Product Liability rules, and regulation of e-commerce and misleading celebrity advertisements.