Consumer Rights

Question 1

Why do consumers need protection?

Accepted Answer

Consumers participate in the market when they buy goods and services, but individually they are often in a weak position; sellers with more power may exploit them, so consumers need protection.

Question 2

What are some ways in which consumers are exploited in the market?

Accepted Answer

Consumers are exploited through underweight and undermeasure, sale of adulterated and defective goods, charging above the printed price (MRP), sale of duplicate items, false information through advertisements, and lack of safety in products.

Question 3

When and how did the consumer movement begin in India?

Accepted Answer

The consumer movement in India arose out of dissatisfaction of consumers, as many unfair practices were being indulged in by sellers; it began as a 'social force' with the need to protect and promote consumer interests, gaining strength in the 1960s-1980s.

Question 4

When was COPRA enacted?

Accepted Answer

The Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) was enacted in 1986; it was a major step in the consumer movement in India.

Question 5

When is National Consumers' Day celebrated in India and why?

Accepted Answer

India celebrates 24 December as the National Consumers' Day, because it was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986.

Sample questions