Consumers urged to stay informed, seek redressal when wronged

Mokokchung, Oct 28 (NPN): An awareness programme on consumer rights was organised by the Nagaland State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NSCDRC) in collaboration with the Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) at Queen Mary Higher Secondary School on Wednesday.
Speaking on the topic, “Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” lady member, District Consumer Commission Mokokchung, advocate Bendangsenla, highlighted the importance of consumer rights and awareness in everyday life.
She remarked that every individual was a consumer from birth and remained one throughout life, as people depended on various goods and services to meet their needs and wants. Stressing the need to place consumers first, she said consumer rights had become a necessity in modern society and played a crucial role in protecting people from adulterated food, under-measurement, hazardous products and other unfair trade practices.
Bendangsenla outlined key provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, including the inclusion of e-commerce and direct selling, establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), stricter product liability norms, revised pecuniary jurisdiction, simplified dispute resolution mechanisms, provisions against unfair trade practices and contracts, and alternative dispute resolution through mediation.
She also highlighted the five major consumer rights guaranteed under the Act: the Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, Right to Seek Redressal and Right to Consumer Awareness.
Bendangsenla said consumers whose rights were violated could approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission or the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for relief. She said these forums could order removal of defects, replacement of goods, refund of charges, compensation for loss or injury caused by negligence and discontinuance of unfair trade practices.
Speaking on “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” Mokokchung Bar Association president, Advocate Molo Jamir, said the consumer movement had its roots in the West and evolved from the need to safeguard the basic rights of consumers, including health and safety.
He noted that several legislations in India had been enacted to protect consumer interests, including the Indian Contract Act, 1872; Sale of Goods Act, 1930; Essential Commodities Act, 1955; Patents Act, 1970; and the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
The programme was chaired by MDLSA panel lawyer Chubarenla. The welcome address was delivered by Queen Mary Higher Secondary School principal, Rev. Fr. Sajimon, while the vote of thanks was proposed by NSCDRC lady member, Temjentula Imchen.