Date: 03/04/2023 Shift: Q. No: 97

A consumer is said to be a king in the market. Due to ever growing competition and in an attempt to maximize profits by selling more, some producers are tempted to engage in unscrupulous, exploitative and unfair trade practices like hoarding, black-marketing, etc. This means that a consumers might be exposed to risks due to unsafe products, might suffer from bad health due to adulterated food products, might be cheated. Therefore, there is a strong need for consumer protection. Consumer protection includes educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities, but it also helps in getting their grievances redressed. Consumer protection is beneficial not only for consumer but also for businessman. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 provides six rights to consumers. In addition to rights, consumer has certain responsibilities also. Rights and Responsibilities are two sides of the same coin. Unless a consumer fulfills these responsibilities it may not be possible for him to enforce his rights. In India, several consumer organizations and Non-Government Organisation (NGOs) have been set up to protect and promote consumers interest. NGOs have their own constitution and are free from interference of the government. Functions performed by consumers organizations include: educating the general public through seminars and workshops, providing legal assistance to consumers, filing complaints in courts, etc.