Question

Ashish wanted to purchase one LCD TV for his home. He decided to go to various stores selling electronic items to check the available varieties of different brands. One of his friends took him to a manufacturer selling LCD TV at almost half the price. The manufacturer described its various features and insisted that Ashish buys the LCD TV from him. Seeing the features, Ashish decided to buy the TV from him, even when the TV was not having any standardisation mark on it. When Ashish asked for the cash memo, the manufacturer discouraged him, saying that it will attract additional tax. He further told Ashish not to worry and promised that if there would be any problem with the TV, he would replace it immediately. The TV started malfunctioning within a month and Ashish asked for its replacement. The manufacturer refused to replace the LCD TV, telling him that the problem is due to mishandling of the TV. Ashish decided to file a complaint in the Consumer Court against the manufacturer.
(i) Identify and explain two consumer rights discussed in the above case

Answer 1

Right to choose/Right to be assured: The consumer has the freedom to access a variety of products at competitive prices. This implies that the marketers should offer a wide variety of products in terms of quality, brand, prices, size, etc., and allow the consumer to make a choice from among these. 
Right to be heard: The consumer has a right to file a complaint and to be heard in case of dissatisfaction with a good or a service. It is because of this reason that many enlightened business firms have set up their own consumer service and grievance cells. 
Right to safety: The consumer has a right to be protected against goods and services that are hazardous to life, health, and property. Thus, consumers are educated that they should use electrical appliances that are ISI marked, as this would be an assurance of such products meeting quality specifications.