UPSC Prelims 2012 Q8: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
With reference to consumers’ rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of
the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on
his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Consumers' rights under Indian law
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing | Correct | A purchaser may have food analysed by the Food Analyst on paying a fee |
| 2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid | Incorrect | A fee is charged, graded by the value of the claim |
| 3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint on his/her behalf | Correct | The definition of 'complainant' includes the legal heir |
Consumer protection in India:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Consumer Protection Act, 1986, replaced by the 2019 Act |
| Three tiers | District, State and National Commissions |
| New in 2019 | Central Consumer Protection Authority; product liability; e-filing; mediation |
| Consumer rights | Safety, information, choice, to be heard, redressal, consumer education |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: the legal heir can file a complaint.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; a fee is payable.
- (c) CORRECT. Consumers can take food samples, and legal heirs can complain.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
Key point
Consumer law: purchaser can get food tested; legal heir can file; fee is payable; three-tier commissions; 2019 Act added the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
Remember
Consumer forum: fee payable; heirs can file.
Common mistakes
- Assuming consumer complaints are free.
- Not knowing that a purchaser can send food for analysis.
- Using the old name 'forum'; the 2019 Act calls them Commissions.
Exam tip
'No fee' claims about courts and forums are usually wrong.
Sources
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 — Section 40 (purchaser may have food analysed)