Methods of Consumer Protection

1) There are four main methods of protecting the interests of consumers:

2) Business Self-regulation: The business community itself can help in achi
eving consumer protection and satisfaction through self -discipline. Businessmen
can regulate their own behaviour and actions by adopting higher ethical standar
ds. Trade associations and chambers of commerce can check unfair trade practices
used by some businessmen. The businessmen can protect their consumers by follow
ing certain ethical norms like
Removal of defects in goods or deficiency in service.
Replacement of defective goods with new goods of similar description whi
ch shall be free from any defect.
Return of price paid by the consumer.
Payment of compensation for any loss or injury suffered by the consumer.
Discontinue the restrictive, or unfair trade practice, and not to repeat
it.
Withdraw the hazardous goods from being offered for sale and not to offe
r them for sale.
Provide for adequate cost to the aggrieved party.
1 2. Consumer Self-help: Invariably, consumers are a vulnerable lot for ex
ploitation, more so in a developing country with the prevalence of mass poverty
and illiteracy. India too is no exception to it. Instances like overcharging, bl
ack marketing, adulteration, profiteering, lack of proper services in trains, te
lecommunication, water supply, airlines, etc are not uncommon here. Hence every
consumer must be alert as self-help is the best help. He should educate himself
and know his rights. He should not allow unscrupulous businessmen to cheat him.
3. Consumers' Associations: Consumers should form voluntary associations. These
associations can educate and awaken consumers. The Consumer Production Act provi
des for a threetier system of redressal agencies: one at district level known as
District Forum, second at state level known as 'State Commission', and third at
national level known as 'National Commission' which helps the consumers to take
organized action and put pressure on businessmen to adopt fair trade practices.
4. Government Regulations: The State can ensure consumer protection through legi
slative, executive and judicial actions. The laws enacted by the Government must
be strictly enforced by the executive. Government of India has enacted several
laws to protect the interests and rights of consumers. Some of these laws are as
follows:
The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 which aims to regulate and control the prod
uction, supply and distribution and prices of essential commodities.
o The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 which aims to check adulteration
in food items and eatables.
o The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 which seeks to ensure purity and quality in
drugs and cosmetics.
o The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956 which aims at ensuring that co
nsumers get the right weight and measurement in products.
o The Household Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 1976 which seeks
to ensure safety and quality in the manufacture of electrical appliances.
o The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 which seeks to provide speedy and inexpensiv
e redressal to the grievances of consumers.