If you are unsatisfied with the product you purchased from any shop, you can either return or exchange the same within the specified period. State government is arranging for enforcing this rule strictly.

Until now Consumer Protection Act was being violated but going forward with the orders issued by the State government, District Collectors have to abide by and make arrangements for following the act. The orders have been issued in July by Director of Consumer Affairs P Ramesh. Companies selling branded items do exchange products within time limit if their consumers are not satisfied with the product they purchased. The same has to be followed by other business sectors as well. It is mandatory to have the bills or cash memos printed with slogans which declaration that consumers not satisfied with the product can return or exchange within the prescribed time limit. This slogan will create a code of conduct between buyer and seller and will be extremely helpful in avoiding arguments among the two. A lot of businessmen have their bills printed with the slogan “Goods once sold will not be taken back”. The slogan will have to be replaced with the new slogan as per Consumer act.

Action against violation of Consumer Act

Not taking back the sold goods is against the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The act has been violated by many till now. As per section 14 of the Act, consumer has the right to have the products exchanged or returned if found defective or unsatisfactory. In cases where a consumer finds that he is being cheated by a shopkeeper and consumer laws are being violated, he (consumer) can approach the Consumer Forum and complain against that particular firm from where the product was purchased. Forum will take action against the shop/firm. The Forum may also issue warning to the concerned shop/firm depending upon the case.

Manish Bhatnagar, Divisional Consumer Protection Officer, Udaipur confirmed that orders under Consumer Protection Act have been issued. For this a meeting will be held with all the businessmen/merchants and they will be made aware of Consumer’s rights.

Source : bhaskarnews