- DIMAPUR — The
Office of Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection (LM&CP), Phek, in
collaboration with the Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA),
conducted a legal awareness programme on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, at
Government Higher Secondary School, Pfutsero, on Wednesday.
- In his keynote address, Shiekhozo, assistant controller,
LM&CP, Phek, highlighted that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, marks a
new era in safeguarding consumer rights in India, according to a press release.
- He stated that with the inclusion of digital marketing and
commerce in the Act, consumers are empowered against unfair trade practices. He
urged the students to be alert and aware of the goods purchased and services
availed, to seek legal remedies, and to use the online complaint system for
faster justice.
Participants and organisers at the legal awareness programme
on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, held at Government Higher Secondary
School, Pfutsero, on Wednesday.
- Speaking as the guest speaker, Mezivolu T Therieh, District
and Sessions Judge-cum-chairperson of PDLSA, emphasised that the law is enacted
to protect the interests of consumers in India by establishing authorities for
the timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes.
- She stated that the Act modernises consumer protection by
including digital commerce; strict penalties for misleading advertisements;
liability for influencers’ and celebrities’ endorsements; the Central Consumer
Protection Authority; product liability; ease of redressal where the consumer
resides or works; the online complaints e-daakhil portal; and mediation. She
stressed who a consumer is and spoke about the six rights of consumers under
Section 1(9) of the Act.
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- She urged the students and teachers to be smart consumers by
insisting on bills and receipts and by checking expiry dates and quality when
purchasing goods and availing services.
- She said that one can claim compensation for defective
products, deficiency in service, and unsafe goods. She also said one can file a
physical complaint before the district, state, or national Consumer Protection
Commission, submit complaints online through the e-Daakhil portal, or seek help
from the consumer helpline 1915 or consumerhelpline.gov.in. She also shared
information about the pecuniary jurisdiction and the role of mediation as an
alternative dispute resolution in consumer cases.
- The interactive session was led by Sekhotso Rokha, panel
lawyer, PDLSA, addressing the questions raised. He also highlighted one of the
key features of the Act concerning medical negligence by doctors and nurses,
who can be held liable for wrong treatment.
