CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCILS

 

Central Consumer Protection Councils

1.      The central council consists of:

·         The chairperson who is the minister in charge of the consumers’ affairs in the central Government.

·         Other official & non-official members representing such interest.

2.      They meet as and when necessary. At least one meeting has to be held every year.

3.      The chairperson decides where the meeting could be held.

4.      The objective of the central council is to promote & protect the consumers.

·         To stop marketing of goods hazardous to like property.

·         To be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard & price of goods.

·         The right to be assured and have access to a variety of goods at competitive prices.

·         The right to be heard & be assured that consumers interest will receive due consideration.

·         The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or exploitation.

·         The right to consumer education.

The State Consumer Protection Council

Same as Central Consumer Protection Disputes redressal, agencies also known as District forums are set up by the state government.

Consumer Forum – Consumer Disputes redressal agencies also known as District forums are set up by the state government in each district. There may be more than one area district council in a district if the government thinks it is necessary. The central government can set up national consumer redressal commission.

Each District forum consists of:

1.      The president will be a person who has the qualifications to be a district judge.

2.      Two other members are persons of ability, integrity and standing with adequate knowledge or experience or capacity to deal with problem relating to economics, low, consumer accountancy industry, public affairs’ administration, one will be a woman member.

3.      Every appointment will be made by the state government on the recommendation of a select committee consulting of –

a)      President of the state commission

b)      Secretary, Law department of the state

c)      Secretary in-charge of the department dealing with consumers affairs

Every member will hold office for a test of five years or up to the age of 65 years. They cannot be reappointed. The salary or honorarium, other terms & conditions as may be prescreened by the state government.

They can entertain complaints where the value does not exceed Rs. 5 lakhs. The complaint will be within the local limits with the opposite party resides or carries on business with the permission of the district forum.

The commission has the power to award compensation not only for loss or damage but also for injustice, harassment & agony suffered by consumers. A complaint has to be filed by:

ü  The consumer to whom such goods are sold.

ü  Any recognized consumer association even if the consumer is not a member of the said association.

ü  Group of consumers.

ü  Central or state government.

Procedure on the receipt of complaint

·         A copy of complaint is sent to the opposite party asking him to give his version of the case within 30 days.

·         The opposition can proceed to settle the consumers’ dispute in a manner specified.

·         If a test or analysis of the product is to be made, the sample is taken from the consumers, & sent for the necessary lest. The reports of these tests are then sent to the district forum within 55 days. An extended period may be granted if necessary.

·         The complainant has to deposit such fees as may be specified to the laboratory to carry out the analysis. The report will be given to the district forum who will send it to the opposite party with appropriate remarks.

·         If the opposite party objects to the method of testing or the correctness of the finding, the opponent has to submit in writing the objection.