• Source:JND

In today’s fast-paced market, food-related adulteration and quality issues have become a growing concern. Have you ever bought something from the market and found yourself unsure about its quality or whether you paid a fair price? Often, in such situations, people either stay silent or end up arguing with the seller. This happens because, as customers, many of us are unaware of our rights. Yet, every buyer has the right to know the price, quality, and quantity of the products they purchase.

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Under Which Indian Act One Can File A Complaint?

India’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA), first enacted in 1986 and updated in 2019, protects consumers from unfair trade, defective goods, and poor services. The 2019 update introduced the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), product liability, mediation, and stricter rules for digital transactions, giving consumers rights to safety, information, choice, and redressal.

Key Consumer Rights:

1. Right to Safety: Protection against harmful goods or services; use ISI-marked products to ensure safety.

2. Right to Information: Access complete product details like ingredients, price, manufacturing date, and usage instructions.

3. Right to Choose: Freedom to select from a variety of products at fair prices and quality.

4. Right to be Heard: Ability to file complaints and have them addressed by companies or consumer organizations.

5. Right to Seek Redressal: Right to relief if products/services are defective or involve unfair practices.

6. Right to Consumer Awareness: Right to education about products, services, and remedies available.

Where And How To File A Complaint

If you face issues related to a product or suspect fraud, you can take the following steps:

Online Filing:

Visit the e-Daakhil portal (https://edaakhil.nic.in) or consumerhelpline.gov.in.

Step-by-Step Filing Process On e-Daakhil:

1. Register an account on the portal.

2. Fill in the complaint form with details of the product, service, or fraud.

3. Upload any supporting documents (bills, emails, screenshots, etc.).

4. Submit the complaint; you will receive an acknowledgment with a unique tracking ID.

5. Track your complaint status and attend hearings, if scheduled, online.

Via Helpline:

1. Call the National Helpline of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) at 1915 or 1800 114 000.

2. Provide details of your complaint; officials will guide you on the next steps.

Offline Filing:

1. You can also approach the District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in person to file your complaint.

2. Submit a written complaint along with copies of invoices, bills, and other supporting evidence.

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Note: Any customer can file a complaint through a lawyer at the consumer courts. Cases up to Rs 1 crore are handled by the District Consumer Commission, cases between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore by the State Consumer Commission, and cases above Rs 10 crore by the National Consumer Commission.


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