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PROJECT ON

CONSUMER PROTECTION

AND

CONSUMER OBLIGATION

Submitted by:

TARANJEET SINGH

Enrollment no.12919103910

MBA 1st SEM

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Its an opportunity to acknowledge the Mrs. Sandeepa

Kaur. She is the one who provided me continues source of information under her

great guidelines and support. I had tried to make the project possible and desirable

as she wanted.

I am very thankfull for her kind support.

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INDEX

SR.NO CONTENTS

1 DEFINITION

2 INTRODUCTION

3 CONSUMER PROTECTION

4 CONSUMER RIGHTS

5 CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

6 INDIA GLOBAL REPUTATION

7 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

8

CONCLUSION

9

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INTRODUCTION

Consumers play a vital role in the economic system of a nation because in theabsence of effective demand that emanates from them, the economy virtually

collapses. Mahatma Gandhi said, "A consumer is the most important visitor on our

premises. He is not dependent on us, we are on him. He is not an interruption to

our work, he is the purpose of it. We are not doing a favour to a consumer by

giving him an opportunity. He is doing us a favour by giving us opportunity to

serve him. But, of late, unfortunately cheating by way of overcharging, black

marketing, misleading advertisements, etc has become the common practice of

greedy sellers and manufacturers to make unreasonable profits. In this context, it isthe duty of the government to confer some rights on consumers to safeguard their

interests.

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CONSUMER PROTECTION

o Removal of defects in goods or deficiency in service.

o Replacement of defective goods with new goods of similar description whichshall be free from any defect.

o Return of price paid by the consumer.

o Payment of compensation for any loss or injury suffered by the consumer.

o Discontinue the restrictive, or unfair trade practice, and not to repeat it.

o Withdraw the hazardous goods from being offered for sale and not to offer them

for sale.

o Provide for adequate cost to the aggrieved party.

The Consumer Production Act provides for a threetier system of redressal

agencies: one at district level known as District Forum, second at state level known

as 'State Commission', and third at national level known as 'National Commission'.

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A complaint is to be made to the district forum of the concerned district where the

value of goods and services and compensation, if any, is up to Rs 20 lakhs, to the

'State Commission' between Rs 20 lakhs and Rs 100 lakhs, and to the National

Commission for more than Rs 100 lakhs. Interestingly, there is provision for

appeals against the orders of a particular redessal forum by the aggrieved party

before the next higher echelon and even from the findings of the National

Commission before the Supreme Court.

CONSUMER RIGHTS

1. Right to Safety: The right to be protected against goods which are hazardous to

life and property.

2. Right to Information: The right to be informed about the quality, quantity,

purity, price and standards of goods.

3. Right to Choose: The right to be assured access to a variety of products at

competitive prices, without any pressure to impose a sale, i.e., freedom of choice.

4. Right to be Heard: The right to be heard and assured that consumer interests will

receive due consideration at appropriate forums.

5. Right to Seek Redressal: The right to get relief against unfair trade practice or

exploitation.

6. Right to Education: The right to be educated about rights of a consumer.

Protection of Consumer Rights

Consumer protection means safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers. It

includes all the measures aimed at protecting the rights and interests of consumers.

Consumers need protection due to the following reasons:

1. Illiteracy and Ignorance: Consumers in India are mostly illiterate and ignorant.

They do not understand their rights. A system is required to protect them fromunscrupulous businessmen.

2. Unorganised Consumers: In India consumers are widely dispersed and are not

united. They are at the mercy of businessmen. On the other hand, producers and

traders are organized and powerful.

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3. Spurious Goods: There is increasing supply of duplicate products. It is very

difficult for an ordinary consumer to distinguish between a genuine product and its

imitation. It is necessary to protect consumers from such exploitation by ensuring

compliance with prescribed norms of quality and safety.

4. Deceptive Advertising: Some businessmen give misleading information about

quality, safety and utility of products. Consumers are misled by false advertisement

and do not know the real quality of advertised goods. A mechanism is needed to

prevent misleading advertisements.

5. Malpractices of Businessmen: Fraudulent, unethical and monopolistic trade

practices on the part of businessmen lead to exploitation of consumers. Consumers

often get defective, inferior and substandard goods and poor service. Certain

measures are required to protect the consumers against such malpractices.

6. Freedom of Enterprise: Businessmen must ensure satisfaction of consumers. In

the long run, survival and growth of business is not possible without the support

and goodwill of consumers. If business does not protect consumers' interests,

Government intervention and regulatory measures will grow to curb unfair trade

practices.

7. Legitimacy for Existence: Business exists to satisfy the needs and desires of

consumers. Goods are produced with the purpose of selling them. Goods will, in

the long run, sell only when they meet the needs of consumers.

8. Trusteeship: Businessmen are trustees of the society's wealth. Therefore, they

should use this wealth for the benefit of people.

Methods of Consumer Protection

There are four main methods of protecting the interests of consumers:

1. Business Self-regulation: The business community itself can help in achieving

consumer protection and satisfaction through self -discipline. Businessmen can

regulate their own behaviour and actions by adopting higher ethical standards.Trade associations and chambers of commerce can check unfair trade practices

used by some businessmen.

2. Consumer Self-help: Every consumer must be alert as self-help is the best help.

He should educate himself and know his rights. He should not allow unscrupulous

businessmen to cheat him.

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3. Consumers' Associations: Consumers should form voluntary associations. These

associations can educate and awaken consumers. They can take organized action

and put pressure on businessmen to adopt fair trade practices.

4. Government Regulations: The State can ensure consumer protection through

legislative, executive and judicial actions. The laws enacted by the Government

must be strictly enforced by the executive. Government of India has enacted

several laws to protect the interests and rights of consumers. Some of these laws

are as follows:

o The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 which aims to regulate and control the

production, supply and distribution and prices of essential commodities.

o The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 which aims to check adulteration

in food items and eatables.

o The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 which seeks to ensure purity and quality in

drugs and cosmetics.

o The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956 which aims at ensuring that

consumers get the right weight and measurement in products.

o The Household Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 1976 which seeks

to ensure safety and quality in the manufacture of electrical appliances.

o The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 which seeks to provide speedy and

inexpensive redressal to the grievances of consumers.

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CONSUMER RIGHTS AND ITS EXPANSION

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

India has been observing 15 March since 1989 as the National Consumers Day.

This day has a historic importance as it was on this day in 1962, when the Bill for

Consumer Rights was moved in the US Congress. During his speech PresidentJohn F. Kennedy had remarked:

If a consumer is offered inferior products, if prices are exorbitant, if drugs are

unsafe or worthless, if the consumer is unable to choose on an informed basis, then

his dollar is wasted, his health and safety may be threatened, and national interest

suffers.

John F. Kennedy had equated the rights of the ordinary American consumer with

national interest. He gave the American consumer four basic rights:

1. The Right to Safety - to be protected against the marketingof goods which are hazardous to health or life.

2. The Right to Choose - to be assured, wherever possible,access to a variety of products and services at competitiveprices: and in those industries where competition is notworkable and Government regulation is substituted, anassurance of satisfactory quality and service at fair prices.

3. The Right to Information - to be protected against fraudulent,

deceitful or grossly misleading information, advertising,labeling, or other practices, and to be given the facts s/heneeds to make an informed choice.

4. The Right to be Heard - to be assured that consumerinterests will receive full and sympathetic consideration inthe formulation of Government policy, and fair andexpeditious treatment in its administrative tribunals.

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Kennedy recognised that consumers are the largest economic

group in the countrys economy, affecting and affected by almost

every public and private economic decision. But they were also

the only important group who were not effectively organised,

whose views were not heard.

Therefore, the Federal Government, by nature the highest spokesman for all

people, had a special obligation to the consumers needs. Thirteen years later

President Gerald Ford felt that the four rights constituted in Kennedys Bill of

Rights were inadequate for a situation where most consumers are not educated

enough to make the right choices. So he added the Right to Consumer Education,

as an informed consumer cannot be exploited easily.

While these rights served the interest of the American consumer well enough, theydid not cover the whole gamut, because a global consumer did need, apart from

them, other well-defined rights like basic needs, a healthy environment and

redress.

The Consumers International (CI), former International Organisation of Consumer

Unions (IOCU), the umbrella body, for 240 organisations in over 100 countries,

expanded the charter of consumers rights contained in the US Bill to eight, which

in a logical order reads:

1. Basic Needs2. Safety

3. Information

4. Choice

5. Representation

6. Redress

7. Consumer Education and

8. Healthy Environment.

This charter had a universal significance as they symbolised theaspirations of the poor and disadvantaged. On this basis, the

United Nations, in April 1985, adopted its Guidelines for Consumer

Protection.

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BIRTH OF CONSUMERS DAY

Considering the importance of Kennedys speech to the US Congress on this day,

and the resultant law, the CI took a decision in 1982 to observe 15 March as the

World Consumer Rights Day from 1983. Peculiar though it may sound, 15 March

is not observed as a special day in the worlds largest and most pulsating consumer

society - the US. But at home in India the Government, adopted 15 March as the

National Consumers Day.

India is a country, which never fell behind in introducing progressive legislation -

we were among the first in the world to introduce universal adult franchise for

women.

Gandhi had rightly said:

A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on

us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work - he is the

purpose of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a

favour by giving us the opportunity to serve him.

BIRTH OF COPRA

The right to redress lead to the passing of the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA)

in 1986 in India which has been defined as the Magna Carta of consumers but, itrecognises only six of these eight rights:

1. Safety;

2. Information;

3. Choice;

4. Representation;

5. Redress and

6. Consumer Education.

Besides this statutory recognition, COPRA has succeeded in

bringing about revolutionary judicial reforms by providing juristic

quasi-judicial courts solely for redressal of consumer grievances

(where a price has been paid), for adjudication within a limited

time frame of 90 to 150 days.

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The rights of basic needs and healthy environment could not be provided in

COPRA as these symbolised the aspiration of the poor and the disadvantaged, and

were not the subject matter of priced commodities and services available in the

market place. However, these are the backbone of peoples movements in both the

developing and the developed worlds.

Yet, inspite of pulsating movements, the rights of consumers could and were

trampled on and often. There existed a vacuum in the definition of rights. It was

often seen that boycotts would be spontaneous or organised in an adversarial

situation, examples of, which are numerous. On an occasion in Calcutta a boycott

of fish was successfully organised and the marketing cartel had to bow down, by

cutting the inflated prices, rather than store rotting fish.

RIGHT TO BOYCOTT

Taking a leaf out of Indias freedom movement, when Mahatma Gandhi had

successfully organised various boycotts of foreign cloth, salt etc. we at CUTS,

declared and adopted the 9th Consumer Right on Indias Independence Day - 15

August 1990: The right to resist and boycott any person, goods or services in the

event of conflict with consumers interest.

This right was the ultimate one, to be used when all methods fail. And many a

times they do: the seller does not heed, the administration does not listen, and the

judiciary fails. This right inherently signifies consumer unity as an individualconsumer can be helpless or even apathetic, and it is a collective action that

succeeds.

While the right to boycott epitomises the enability of consumer rights, the right to

basic needs remained abstract. It only defined a consumers necessities required to

survive and live a dignified life but it did not demand the means to obtain them -

the right to work.

However, the right to work is also vague, as this colloquially meant easy jobs, and

did not feature in the existing charter of Consumers Rights. In the interlude, a newUnion Government in India raised a debate to recognise the right to work, as a

fundamental right on the one hand, and advocating self employment schemes for

everyone, including the poor, on the other.

Observing the societal disarray created by government job and dole schemes,

whether permanent or temporary, and how they maim the spirit of enterprise which

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prevails in the mass humanity of India, CUTS was inspired to declare and adopt

the 10th (enabling) Consumer Right on 26 January 1991: The right to

opportunities to acquire basic needs which will enable one to work and to earn a

living, without exploitation.

This inherently demands execution of the states singular responsibility to provide

productive infrastructure, work ethos, job opportunities, social justice and

economic equity. Both these rights were adopted at the Third National Convention

of Consumer Activists at Calcutta during 1-3 November 1991, calling and urging

the now (CI) IOCU to recognise and take suitable steps in expansion of the

Consumer Rights internationally.

INDIAS GLOBAL REPUTATION

Laws, rules, regulations and orders (for which India has unparalleled distinction in

the Guinness book of records) alone do not protect consumers, but it is the rights

movement of people which produce results in a democracy.

One of the greatest achievements of the Indian consumer movement is the

enactment of the dynamic consumer law: COPRA. Coming 39 years after

Independence, it has acknowledged the rampant consumer abuses, including those

of the government owned public utilities like telephones, transport, power etc.

These utilities, in the first place, were created as state monopolies ostensibly to

protect consumers!

Critics of COPRA rightly conclude that it cant do anything about rising prices, but

it has succeeded in bringing about fairplay in the supply of goods and services

available in the market place, giving substance to the adage: Customer is King.

Also, COPRA has encouraged active consumer bodies to demand, and perhaps see

in the near future, independent Public Utility Regulatory Commissions to debate

costing, pricing and promote competition.

This confidence emanates from the empowerment of voluntary organisations in

COPRA and other consumer laws. While right to information is enshrined inCOPRA, addition of the enlarged Right to Know in the fundamental rights chapter

of the Indian Constitution would only result in meaningful empowerment - no

more tight rope walking, but total glasnost.

In fact the Central Consumer Protection Council has recommended to the

Government to enact a Freedom of Information Act on the pattern of a similar law

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in the US. Another major achievement of the Indian consumer movement in the

context of the world scenario, was to get the government in 1989, to adopt 15

March, the World Consumer Rights Day, as the National Consumers Day. Unlike

the Labour Day on 1 May, which has roots in the US, the Consumer Rights Day,

which also has roots in the US, is not even observed there.

Today India is the only country in the world, which has exclusive courts for

consumer redressal. At the IOCUs 13th World Congress held in Hong Kong

during 7-13 July 1991 it came in for praise and developed countries were called

upon to emulate. In the same year, these developments inspired Jim Sugarman, a

noted US consumer activist and a close associate of Ralph Nader, to candidly

observe: India is getting a global reputation for the rapid development of its

consumer movement.

BUREAUCRATS REVENGE

COPRA, which was amended by an ordinance in June 1993, is a mixture of sad

and happy tidings. And tragic because of one surprise which our bureaucrats

sprung onto the bill, a matter which was not even discussed in the high power

working group of the Central Consumer Protection Council.

The law then proposed a limitation of one year to file complaints, where none

existed. An utter nonsense, which goes beyond the principles of our well

established Limitations Act of 1963, wherein courts cannot be approached after theexpiry of three years of the last cause of action.

Since there was no limitation period prescribed under COPRA, in one matter, the

apex consumer court, the National Commission had pronounced that the principles

of the Limitations Act do not apply but can be relied upon, though not religiously.

This proposal would not only have put consumers at a terrible disadvantage but

also annoy them badly. Most warranties and guarantees on goods expire in one

year, and manufacturers often drag on many consumers during this period by

attending to complaints, instead of setting it right or replacing or refunding theprice of the defective goods. They will thus be deprived of the easy redressal

avenue by this one-year deadline.

Consumers will be angry because the rule on the time limit of 90/150 days

provided in COPRA for disposal of cases are practiced more in the breach, and

cases drag on for years. Under this situation, expecting consumers to meet a

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deadline will be very irritating. Granted that delayed complaints can be entertained,

but that would mean a set of lengthy arguments on just the admissibility of the

case.

Fourthly, the law also enables consumers to file class action complaints, which

incidentally always existed, but there can be no basis to determine the deadline in

such matters. For instance, if the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides for certain

mandatory safety features which have been ignored by manufacturers; after

research, we decide to file a complaint what would be the limitation period?

Due to these arguments and lobbing the time limit was revised to two years, when

the ordinance was put on the table of the parliament.

BELYING EXPECTATIONS

The law belied the consumer affairs Minister, A K Antonys note in the statement

of objects and reasons, wherein he says the working of the redressal agencies has

helped to arouse the expectations of the people on several other grounds as well.

Housing by way of plots or flats or houses has been covered under the definition of

services under COPRA. Rather than adopt the words: real estate, as defined

under the MRTP Act, 1969 from which the whole definition clause of services was

borrowed in the first instance, a new jargon: housing construction is added. This

would mean that the consumer courts will only entertain complaints relating to:flats, land, houses purchased or to be purchased.

In a beacon case involving a plot: Garima Shukla vs. UP Avas evam Vikas Nigam,

the National Commission had held that the dispute is covered as a deficiency in the

service of housing. The Supreme Court upheld the orders of the National

Commission.

Among several other recommendations of the Central Council, another major one

has also been diluted. In view of several protests by consumers, the council had

agreed to recommend incorporation of an open, democratic and a transparentprocess of selection of the non-official members of consumer courts.

The recommendation was that a selection committee headed by the minister and

consisting of the secretary in charge of the department, a nominee of the chief

justice of the state high court and two consumer activists (one a woman) would be

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the right form. The bill now proposes a committee headed by the President of the

state commission and the consumer affairs secretary and the state law secretary.

It is thus heavily loaded against transparency. I have seen many a president of the

State Commission sitting in the chamber of the secretary, especially when s/he is a

retired high court judge. By and large the secretary has to follow the ministers

orders, therefore the transparency sought in the selection process will be doubtful.

Presence of two activists would have perhaps changed the odds.

However the president of the State Commission can only be appointed after

consultation with the Chief Justice of the concerned high court, but those who

know, consultation does not mean consent or concurrence. On several occasions, in

spite of opposition, people have been appointed, after the so-called consultation.

THE BROOM STICK

The Council had made several other vital recommendations after long deliberations

and critical debates, but they have been given the broomstick. These were:

1. Consumer rights were to be put in a separate chapter so thatviolations of the same could be an additional ground, if notthe basis of a complaint. These will now continue asdecorations in COPRA, for the central council to talk, about -

only once in a year, as against twice as recommended.2. Services rendered by public health care system and civic

bodies were to be covered, as they are not charities but arerun from the taxpayer money. So that consumer could getvalue for money and these white elephants are brought toheel. The union health ministry prevailed.

3. Lawyers were to be debarred except when the complainanthad engaged one, or with his consent or if the consumercourt directed the parties to engage lawyers, when questions

of law were involved. This was recommended becauselawyers often delay the settlement of cases by court craftetc. Apparently the belligerent lawyers lobby provedstronger.

4. Writ jurisdiction of high courts has to be excluded bybringing COPRA under Article 323B of the constitution astheir interference, particularly the Calcutta High Court,

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delays the proceedings especially when an hierarchy ofappeals is provided under COPRA where the Supreme Courtis the ultimate arbiter.

5. Empowering Consumer Courts by giving them the authority

to order cease and desist, or interim injunction or take suomotu action (of its own accord and on its own information)like the MRTP Commission, so as to meet the ends of justicehave not been incorporated. For, bureaucrats felt that itwould give unbridled power to over 450 district fora and 30state commissions and that would have created havoc.

Some readers might remember the case of ITC LTDs Wills brand

being injuncted by a Gangtok district judge, which cost ITC a large

sum of money to get it vacated from the Supreme Court under its

extraordinary jurisdiction. This type of case is a freak but without

such power our consumer courts will be hamstrung in protecting

the consumers interest, as it were.

Section 1(4) of COPRA says this Act will apply to all goods and services, therefore

under the definition of services, where illustrations are given, it was understood

that it was an all inclusive definition and exclusions had to be specified.

To correct the anomaly, especially in view of the hectic lobbying by the medical

fraternity and other professional groups, it was proposed to put a semi-colon, andadd, not limited to before the illustrations. But this has also not been inserted in

the amendment bill.

RECALLING UNSAFE GOODS

So much so for the bureaucratic revenge and/or sabotage. However there are many

welcome steps, though confused as well, which will take the consumer movement

considerably forward. These are:

Enhancement in the scope of relief under COPRA to stop thesale of and/or order withdrawing the marketing of hazardousgoods. This will entitle consumers and consumer groups tochallenge harmful goods, provided a law says so, like the

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BVO case when this toxic chemical was banned butcontinued to be used in soft drinks like Limca, Gold Spot etc.

But the clause does not empower consumers to challenge hazards

in services. For instance the Electricity Act provides for certainsafety measures to be adopted by the suppliers, but consumers

may not be able to challenge it.

This is more so surprising when in all the consumer rights in COPRA services

have been added along with goods, and under the relief section power has also

been given to consumer courts to remove defects and deficiencies in services.

A major beneficial change has been added to coveragreements for purchase, as against the earlier provision for

only goods or services actually purchased. This would coverdisputes relating to booking of flats, cars, scooters andsimilar contracts, where delivery has not been made.

Restrictive trade practices have been added, also enablingthe courts to stop these, as well as unfair trade practices.

This means that there would be a mini-MRTP Commission inevery district.

Monetary jurisdiction of a district forum has been raised toRs 5 lakh, while that of a state commission to Rs 20 lakh.

Beyond this, the National Commission. Age limit of themembers of the state commissions has been fixed at 67,while that of the national commission at 70. No mention ofthe age limits of members of the district forums.

Complaints against goods purchased for commercial purposewill ordinarily not be adjudicable under COPRA save andexcept where such goods in dispute have been purchased bya self-employed businessperson like a taxi owner-driver.

Costs would be awardable to consumers or their

organisations that win cases. Simultaneously consumers whofile frivolous or vexatious complaints could be penalised witha fine of upto Rs 10,000. And if they dont pay up, they couldface a worse fate of paying a further fine of upto Rs 10,000and/or undergo imprisonment of upto three years like otheroffenders.

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Following the Supreme Court order, in the Common Cause VsUnion of India case, administrative control of district fora willnow be under the state commissions, who will in turn reportto the National Commission. A proper reporting system and

procedures will also be incorporated.

Lastly, a quiet change has been incorporated to redefine the

department of civil supplies as consumer affairs, which is what we

in the consumer movement have been shouting for a long time.

Consumer protection laws are designed to ensure fair competition and the free

flow of truthful information in the marketplace. The laws are designed to preventbusinesses that engage in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an

advantage over competitors and may provide additional protection for the weak

and those unable to take care of themselves. Consumer Protection laws are a form

of government regulation which aim to protect the interests ofconsumers. For

example, a government may require businesses to disclose detailed information

about productsparticularly in areas where safety or public health is an issue, such

as food. Consumer protection is linked to the idea of "consumer rights" (that

consumers have various rights as consumers), and to the formation ofconsumer

organizations which help consumers make better choices in the marketplace.

Consumer is defined as someone who acquires goods or services for direct use or

ownership rather than for resale or use in production and manufacturing.[1]

Consumer interests can also be protected by promoting competition in the markets

which directly and indirectly serve consumers, consistent with economic

efficiency, but this topic is treated in Competition law.

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Consumer protection can also be asserted via non-government organizations and

individuals as consumer activism.

Private law (Civil law) is that part of alegal system that involves relationships

between individuals. This includes the law ofcontracts ortorts and the law of

obligations. It is distinguished frompublic law, which deals with law involving the

state, including regulatory statutes,penal law and other law ofpublic order.

In general terms, public law involves interrelations between the state and the

general population, whereas private law involves interactions between private

citizens.

The concept of private law in common law countries is a little more broad, in that

it also encompasses private relationships between governments and private

individuals or other entities. That is, relationships between governments andindividuals based on the law ofcontract ortorts are governed by private law, and

are not considered to be within the scope ofpublic law.

Consumer Behaviour and Consumer Protection in India

The process of development coupled with increasing liberalization

and globalisation across the country has enabled consumers to

realize their increasingly important role in society and

governance. The consumer movement in India is as old as trade

and commerce. In Kautilyas Arthashastra, there are references to

the concept of consumer protection against exploitation by the

trade and industry, short weighment and measures, adulteration,

and punishment for these offences. In a developing country like

high and the level of literacy is very low, the people face a volume

of problems, particularly in the context of consumer related

issues. This book brings into focus the role and status of Indianconsumers and their problems arising from the given socio-

economic set up of our society. A critical appraisal of government

policies and programs has also been attempted. Ensuring

consumer welfare is the responsibility of the state. Accepting this,

policies have been framed and the Consumer Protection Act, 1986

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_activismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_obligationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_obligationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statutehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_orderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_activismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_obligationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_obligationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_statehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statutehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penal_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_orderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contracthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_law

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was introduced. A separate Department of Consumer Affairs was

also created in the Central and State Governments to exclusively

focus on ensuring the rights of consumers as enshrined in the Act.

This Act has been regarded as the most progressive,

comprehensive and unique piece of legislation. The present bookprovides a detailed and comprehensive study of the recent

developments in the Indian consumer protection law, besides

examining the provisions of various other statues dealing with

consumer protection. It also provides further insight into

consumer behaviour to help marketers develop an appropriate

marketing strategy. The book constitutes a rich contribution to an

issue of considerable importance. It is expected to be highly

useful to policy planners, economists, researchers, NGOs andstudents.

Contents : Consumer Behavior and Consumer Protection:

Theoretical and Conceptual Issues / Consumer Protection in Indian

Economy / Consumer Organisations and Consumer Protection /

Consumer Behaviour-An Empirical Approach / Consumer

Protection Act, 1986-Ligislative and Judicial Dimensions /

Consumer Organisations-Role and Importance / Consumer

Awareness and Protective Aspects: Global Experiences /Governmental Role in Consumerism / Buying Behaviour and

Grievance Redressal / Consumer Protection Through Mass

Awareness: Challenges and opportunities in the Global Era /

Consumer Rights and Consumer Protection Act, 1986 / Consumer

Awareness and Government Role / Governmental Role for

Consumer Awareness and Welfare / Protective Aspects of

Consumer Protection / Economic Analysis of Consumer Behavior /

A New Era in Consumerism / Consumer Behaviour,Communication and Rural Market / Consumer Protection Act,

1986-A Case Study Approach / Consumerism and Role of

Legislation / Banking Services in India and Consumer Protection /

Impact of Advertising on Consumer Education and Behaviour /

Consumer Problems / Consumer Behaviour in Selection and

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Purchasing of Clothes / Food Adulteration-A Case Study / WTO and

Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: Implications for Consumer

Welfare / Managing Consumer Expectations through Encouraging

Customer Complaints / Healthcare in India and Consumer

Protection Act / Advertising and Consumer / Globalization andConsumer Behaviour: Some Gender Issues /

Appendix.

MEANING

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attempted to safeguard consumer's interests through legislations and the CPA 1986

is considered as the most progressive statute for consumer protection. Procedural

simplicity and speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances as

contained in the CPA are really unique and have few parallels in the world.

Implementation of the Act reveals that interests of consumers are better protected

than ever before. However, consumer awareness through consumer education and

actions by the government, consumer activists, and associations are needed the

most to make consumer protection movement a success in the country.