National Consumer Rights Day is observed in India on 24th December every year. This day holds historical significance as the Consumer Protection Act was passed on this very date in 1986. The act was introduced to safeguard consumer rights and empower them against exploitation and unfair trade practices. Over time, it has been amended to provide a stronger framework for consumer protection.
Introduction to Consumer Protection Law
The draft for the Consumer Protection Act was not prepared by any government agency but by the All India Consumer Panchayat. In 1979, a law committee was formed under this panchayat. The committee was chaired by Govinddas, with Suresh Bahirat serving as its secretary. Other notable members of the committee included Shankarrao Padhye, Advocate Govindrao Athawale, and Mrs. Swati Shahane.
This act has played a pivotal role in ensuring the rights of consumers and promoting fair business practices across the nation.
Consumer Rights
In India, consumers are granted the following rights:
- Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against products and services that are hazardous to their life and property.
- Right to Information: Consumers are entitled to complete information about the quality, quantity, purity, price, and standard of a product or service.
- Right to Choose: Consumers should have the freedom to select from a variety of products and services.
- Right to be Heard: Consumers have the right to voice their grievances and concerns regarding any product or service.
- Right to Seek Redressal: Consumers are entitled to legal remedies in cases of unfair trade practices or exploitation.
- Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to be educated about their rights and responsibilities.
Importance of Consumer Rights
Consumers form a vital part of any country’s economy. Awareness of consumer rights empowers individuals to protect their interests and ensures that business practices remain fair and transparent.
- The Consumer Protection Act has undergone several amendments:
- In 1991 and 1993, modifications were made to strengthen the act.
- In December 2002, a comprehensive amendment was introduced, which became effective on 15th March 2003.
- Further revisions to the Consumer Protection Rules, 1987, were notified on 5th March 2004.
- Recognizing the significance of consumer rights, the Government of India declared 24th December as National Consumer Rights Day. This date marks the signing of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, by the then-President of India.
- In addition to this, 15th March is celebrated globally as World Consumer Rights Day. National Consumer Rights Day is a milestone in the history of the consumer movement in India. It was first celebrated in the year 2000 and has since been observed annually.
Significance of National Consumer Rights Day
National Consumer Rights Day is observed to create awareness among consumers and strengthen their rights. Various governmental and non-governmental organizations conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and programs to educate and empower consumers.
Early Efforts by Grahak Panchayat
The Grahak Panchayat (Consumer Council) was established in 1947 with the realization that consumers in every sector were being exploited. Consumers often found themselves cheated, with no proper recourse to justice. Under normal economic conditions, consumers were typically at a disadvantage due to the economic influence of merchants.
- To address this situation, the Grahak Panchayat emphasized the need for an independent Consumer Protection Law.
- In 1977, during a Panchayat meeting in Lonavala, a resolution was passed to draft an effective consumer protection law.
- In 1978, the Panchayat issued a demand letter advocating for the establishment of a Consumer Protection Act, a Ministry for Consumer Affairs, and Consumer Courts.
- The Panchayat began drafting the law independently and presented its initial draft at the first meeting of the law committee on 9th April 1980.
- The draft was later shared with various legal experts and high court judges for review. Based on their feedback and suggestions, the final draft of the law was prepared.
- In 1980, Baburao Vaidya, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, took the responsibility to present this bill. These collective efforts eventually led to the creation of the Consumer Protection Act, which continues to safeguard the rights of consumers in India.
Consumer Protection Act, 1986
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted to safeguard the rights of consumers and provide effective mechanisms for resolving disputes. In 2019, the act was revised and replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which introduced provisions to address issues related to e-commerce and online trading, reflecting the evolving nature of consumer markets.
At the end, National Consumer Rights Day symbolizes the importance of consumer rights and empowerment. This day not only inspires individuals to be aware of their rights but also teaches the value of being a responsible consumer, thereby contributing to a better society and nation.
“An aware consumer is the foundation of an empowered society.”
Also Read:
- Minorities Rights Day in India 2024: History & Significance
- Evolution of Human Rights: From Early to Modern Concept
