The Consumer Protection Act 1986 ensures the following as rights which every consumer in India should possess: (i) Right to choice, (ii) Right to information, (iii) Right to redressal, (iv) Right to representation, (v) Right to safety, (vi) Right to consumer education. Categorise the following cases under different heads and mark against each in brackets.
Lata got an electric shock from a newly purchased iron. She complained to the shopkeeper immediately.
Right to safety
John is dissatisfied with the services provided by MTNL/BSNL/TATA INDICOM for the past few months. He files a case in the District Level Consumer Commission.
Right to representation
Your friend has been sold a medicine that has crossed the expiry date and you are advising her to lodge a complaint.
Right to consumer education
Iqbal makes it a point to scan through all the particulars given on the pack of any item that he buys.
Right to information
You are not satisfied with the services of the cable operator catering to your locality but you are unable to switch over to anybody else.
Right to choice
You realise that you have received a defective camera from a dealer. You are complaining to the head office persistently.
Right to redressal
Explanation
Each case illustrates a specific consumer right under the Consumer Protection Act 1986. (a) involves physical harm from a defective product, relating to safety. (b) shows a consumer exercising the right to be heard in a Consumer Commission. (c) demonstrates educating a consumer about seeking justice. (d) reflects the practice of checking product details before purchase. (e) highlights lack of alternative service providers. (f) shows seeking compensation for a defective product.