Question

Meera purchased a mixer-grinder of a reputed brand from a well-known electronic store for \( \text{₹} 5,000 \). Within ten days, the mixer-grinder stopped working. Meera visited the shop for repair or replacement showing the cash memo and the warranty card but the shopkeeper refused to help her. Though the product was only for \( \text{₹} 5,000 \), she filed a complaint at the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum.
The Forum ordered the store to replace the product within 30 days. They also added \( \text{₹} 1,000 \) as compensation for mental harassment and \( \text{₹} 800 \) for legal costs.

State two responsibilities fulfilled by Meera and two reliefs which Meera got through Consumer Redressal Forum.

Hint:

Always keep the cash memo as it is the primary evidence of purchase in consumer courts. Do not hesitate to file a complaint even for low-value items; it helps in establishing consumer rights. Redressal agencies can provide compensation for 'pain and suffering' in addition to fixing the product defect.

Answer 1

Concept:

• Consumer Responsibilities: Consumers have a set of duties to perform to protect their own interests, such as asking for cash memos and asserting themselves to ensure a fair deal.

• Consumer Reliefs: Under the Consumer Protection Act, various remedies are available to consumers if their rights are violated, including replacement, refund, or compensation for losses.
Step 1: Identify the responsibilities fulfilled by Meera
Based on the case study, Meera fulfilled the following responsibilities:

1. Proof of Purchase: She produced the cash memo and warranty card while seeking repair or replacement. This is essential for proving the transaction and the terms of the warranty.

2. Asserting for a Fair Deal: She was assertive and did not accept the shopkeeper's refusal. She took legal action by filing a complaint in the District Forum despite the small value of the product (\( \text{₹} 5,000 \)).

Step 2: Identify the reliefs granted to Meera
The Consumer Redressal Forum granted the following reliefs to Meera:

1. Replacement of Product: The Forum ordered the store to replace the defective mixer-grinder with a new one within 30 days.

2. Payment of Compensation and Costs: The Forum awarded \( \text{₹} 1,000 \) for mental harassment and \( \text{₹} 800 \) to cover her legal expenses incurred during the complaint process.