Who is a Consumer?
As per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – a consumer is a person who avails the services and buys any goods for self/personal use. It is important to note that if a person buys any good or avail any service for resale or commercial purpose, then he will not be considered as consumer. The definition of the consumer covers both types – online and offline transactions under the Act.
Rights of Consumer
- To be informed of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services.
- To be assured of access to a variety of goods or services at competitive prices.
- To seek redress against unfair or restrictive trade practice.
Forums where complaint can be lodged & How to lodge it?
Forum | Jurisdictional Value | Appeal Lies To | Period of Limitaion for Filing Appeal |
District Consumer Forum | Up to Rs. 1 crore | State Consumer Forum | 45 days from the date pf passing order |
State Consumer Forum | Above Rs. 1 crore but below Rs. 10 crores | National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission | 30 days from the date pf passing order |
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission | Above Rs. 10 crores | Supreme Court | 30 days from the date pf passing order |
Who can file Consumer Complaint?
Persons entitled to approach the forums under the Act are:
- To whom such goods are sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or such service is provided or agreed to be provided,
- Who alleges unfair trade practice in respect of such goods or service, or
- Any recognized customer association, whether the consumer is a member of such association or not,
- One or more customers, where numerous consumers are having the same interest, with the permission of the District Commission, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, all the customers so interested.
- The Central Government, the Central Authority or the State Government.
How to lodge consumer complaint?
Contents of the complaint
- Complete name and details of the complainant and opposite party.
- Date and time of purchase of goods purchased or services availed and amount paid by them.
- Particulars of dispute.
- Relief sought
- Documents to be attached for the goods purchased or services availed.
FAQs
Yes, it can be filed online at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/
If a product or service is free or purchased for commercial purposes, then you cannot approach the Consumer Court, hence not considered as a consumer.
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