D. PRISCILLA JAYAM
The statement, “Consumers are the Kings” is a familiar and a well resounded statement. Anyone involved in the field of commerce would have easily come across these words. But, is this true in reality? Well, though the consumer drives the entire world of business, the numerous problems faced by consumers go unaddressed. Very easily, the consumers fall prey to the various unfair trade practices which are being practised by the business class.
Out of the list of unfair trade practices prevalent, the most common one is ‘not mentioning the MRP of the product. Every consumer ought to know the price of every product they consume, as it would be highly unjust if the consumers pay high prices for low quality goods.
RECOURSE UNDER PROVISIONS OF LAW
There are several laws which mandate the mentioning of the MRP such as the Consumer Goods (Mandatory Printing of Cost of Production and Maximum Retail Price) Act, 2014, the Legal Metrology Rules (Pre Packed Commodities) PCR 2011 and also the Consumer Protection Act,1986 (COPRA).
The aggrieved consumer can approach the suitable Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum established under the COPRA to avail the remedies sought. This Redressal Machinery exists as a 3-tier system namely:
The District Consumer Forum, State Commission and the National Redressal Commission. The District Consumer Forum presides over cases where the value of the goods is within Rs.1 crore, the State Commission where the value exceeds Rs. 1 crore but not above Rs.10 crores and the National Commission where the value exceeds Rs.10 crores.
Though consumers may be termed as Kings, in reality they might not be so. The prevalence of unfair trade practices and lack of awareness on the part of the consumers continues to be the major reason. However, the consumers can resort to using the consumer laws and Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums which can help them reclaim their losses and seeks to protect their interests.
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