Grievance and Redressal Mechanism

CONSUMER PROTECTION

GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM

Grievance and Redressal Mechanism

Exploitation is common where consumers are unaware of their rights and privileges. In this modern world, Consumers are the vital part of the business. They decide the success or otherwise of the business. However they are exploited by the sellers in many ways because, they are not aware of the products and services available. Government has also taken necessary steps to save the Consumers. It is in this context grievance redressal mechanism becomes important. This chapter is an attempt to explain grievance redressal mechanism followed in India.

Mahatma Gandhi said about the Customer

“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption of our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider of our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to do so.”

Under the modern philosophy of marketing, consumer is supposed to be the king and business is expected to provide maximum possible satisfaction to consumers. But in reality, consumers are often exploited. In a country like India there is shortage of many products. A few firms enjoy monopoly power in the market place. A large majority of consumers are ignorant and illiterate and do not know their rights. They are poor and there is lack of unity among them. Due to these reasons, consumers are often deprived of their rights. They are often exploited through misleading advertisements, poor quality goods, fractional weights and measures, overcharging, etc.

Consumer Councils

The Consumer Protection Act postulates establishment of Consumer Protection Councils at the District, State and Central levels for the purpose of spreading consumer awareness. The objects of the Councils, as per the Act, shall be to promote and protect the rights of the consumers.

Three Tier Courts or Quasi Judiciary