10 Rights Covered
Right to safety from dangerous products
Protection against goods or services that are dangerous to life and property. Can file complaint for physical injury caused by defective products. Manufacturer is strictly liable under product liability provisions of CPA 2019.
Right to accurate information
Consumer has right to full and accurate information about quality, quantity, purity, standard, and price of goods. Seller cannot misrepresent specifications, exaggerate benefits, or make false claims.
Right to choose freely
Right to access variety of goods and services at competitive prices without being coerced. Seller cannot force purchase of bundled items (tying arrangement) or restrict you to one brand without justification.
Right to seek redressal
Right to fair settlement of genuine grievances: replacement, repair, refund of price, compensation for loss, removal of deficiency in service, or discontinuation of unfair trade practice.
Right to file complaint up to 2 years from cause of action
Limitation period is 2 years from the date cause of action arose. Forum has discretion to condone delay if sufficient cause is shown. Consumer Protection Act 2019 Section 69.
Jurisdiction by claim amount (District, State, National)
District Forum: up to Rs.50 lakh. State Commission: Rs.50 lakh to Rs.2 crore. National Commission: above Rs.2 crore. File where amount falls. No need to file at seller's location.
Right against e-commerce fraud and unfair practices
E-commerce platforms must have return and refund policy, display all charges upfront, and have a Grievance Officer. File complaint on National Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000 or consumerhelpline.gov.in.
Right to product liability compensation
Under CPA 2019, product liability action lies against manufacturer, service provider, or seller for defective product causing harm. You do not need to prove negligence; strict liability applies for certain defects.
Right against misleading advertisements
CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) has power to investigate misleading ads, issue orders for withdrawal, and impose penalty on brand and endorser. You can file complaint to CCPA directly.
Right to mediation before forum hearing
CPA 2019 mandates mediation as an option before proceeding with forum hearing. Cheaper and faster. If mediation fails, matter goes back to Forum. Your right to full hearing is preserved.