A modern-day consumer knows that purchasing a product or service is not just an economic transaction; it has numerous other implications. A single purchase can impact you physically, psychologically, socially, culturally, and environmentally. This is why most customers pay close attention to a brand’s ethics before engaging with its services or buying its products.
There is another side to this scenario as well. Modern consumers make purchase decisions keeping environmental, social, political, and ethical considertaions in mind. They are aware of their rights and know when a brand is most likely misleading them. To address the needs of consumers, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 (Amended) was introduced. In the section below, we will see why it is important for consumers to be informed about their rights and how they can uphold their rights by filing a consumer rights complaint online in instances where their rights have been violated.
Consumer Awareness Is the Need of the Hour
Before discussing how to protect our rights, let us understand why consumer awareness is crucial today. As a modern-day consumer, it is your responsibility to engage with the economy with greater consciousness about how your purchase and consumption patterns impact the environment and society.
A conscious consumer understands that every purchase has a significant impact on the environment and, hence, is mindful of each purchase. For instance, a conscious consumer may choose to buy only from a brand that believes in sustainable practices or one that sells organic products.
However, there have been increasing instances of brands trying to mislead and deceive their customers. With increased competition in the market, brands try numerous tactics, including unfair trade practices, to lure their customers. This is why you must be well informed about your rights and know that you can always raise your voice against a brand’s wrongdoings.
How to File a Complaint?
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 (Amended) gives consumers the right to raise a complaint against a brand that uses misleading claims. So, if the brand claims to be following sustainable practices but, in reality, is doing just the opposite, you have the right to file a complaint. Here is how you can file a complaint:
Send a Notice to the Company
Firstly, you need to send a notice to the brand, manufacturer, or seller regarding your dissatisfaction with the product and clearly mention the problem that you are facing. For a claim above Rs 10,000, we suggest seeking the help of a lawyer. You must deliver a legal notice through a lawyer with a proper letterhead in such situations. This move conveys a strong message that you are all set to take legal action if the opposite party does not take your complaint seriously.
Wait for the Response
Once you have sent the legal notice, the company will most likely contact you within 15 days. Moreover, if your complaint is valid, you will also receive fair compensation for all the hardship that you have gone through. In cases where you have not received fair compensation, you can move to a consumer forum.
Choosing the Right Forum
Depending on the complaint and the compensation amount, you can move to a District Forum, State Forum, or National Forum. If you are confused about which forum to approach, you can always contact a team of professionals. Once you have reached out to the right forum, the proceedings take around six to eighteen months to complete.
Writing a Written Complaint
After you have chosen the right forum, you need to write a written complaint. The complaint must clearly state your problems and demands. You must also attach a copy of the legal notice you sent to the company, demonstrating that you tried to resolve the conflict outside the court.
Paying the Court Fee
Now, depending on the forum you approached and your loss, you will be required to pay a court fee. If you win your lawsuit, the court will compel the opposite party to pay for all the expenses, including the fee.
Conclusion
Being a conscious consumer in the 21st century is no longer a need but a necessity. With cases of fraud and misleading advertisements emerging every other day, you must be aware of your rights and how you can uphold them. If you are confused about how to fight for your rights, you can always approach professionals for help.
Also Read: IATA for transparent laws on consumer rights
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