December 24: National Consumer Rights Day in India

December 24 is not just another date on the calendar; it’s a significant day for every citizen of India. This day marks National Consumer Rights Day, a moment to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and to reinforce the importance of fair trade practices in our country.

With the theme of transparency, accountability, and fairness in consumer dealings, this day reminds us that every purchase-big or small-should be covered with a guarantee of quality, safety, and ethical practices.

Why December 24?

National Consumer Rights Day is marked every year on December 24 to commemorate the coming into force of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. This act marks the Indian consumer movement at a landmark, providing an overall framework for the protection of consumer interests.

The Act provided consumers with the right to redressal of grievances and guaranteed the setting up of consumer courts for quick redressal of grievances. It has been amended several times since then, and the most recent one is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which incorporates modern challenges like e-commerce and misleading advertisements.

What Are Your Consumer Rights?

As an Indian consumer, you have several rights. Some of these are:

Right to Safety: Protection against hazardous goods or services.
Right to Information: Proper information about the product, including its price, quality, and contents.
Right to Choose: Availability of all kinds of goods and services at reasonable prices.
Right to Be Heard: The right to register grievances and have them redressed.
Right to Redressal: Fair compensation for grievances in case of defective products or substandard services.
Right to Consumer Education: Awareness of rights and responsibilities.

Why It Matters Today

In the midst of online shopping, flash sales, and influencer marketing, this is a time where one cannot stress enough consumer rights.

Digital frauds: Phishing, duplicate website, and misleading ads.
Product quality issues, that is, counterfeit and lack of regulation in some service.
Awareness gap even though there are quite solid laws, consumers unaware about their rights and how and where to seek redressal.

National Consumer Rights Day will remind businesses to become accountable and transparent and urge the consumer to take a role in protecting their rights.

How Can You Be Responsible As A Consumer?

Since you have rights, equally, you also have responsibility. Here is how to contribute as a responsible customer:

Education- Research on your shopping needs, especially while you are shopping online. 2. Verify authenticity through certificates, reviews, credibility of the seller.
Retain all the receipts and documents: Purchase proof is necessary in case of disputes.
File complaints: Complain to consumer helplines or platforms such as National Consumer Helpline (NCH).

Events and Awareness Campaigns

Every year, several government agencies, consumer organizations, and educational institutions host events, seminars, and workshops to commemorate this day. Issues such as consumer safety in e-commerce, food adulteration, and financial frauds become focus areas.

This year, the focus is on spreading awareness through digital platforms, ensuring that every consumer has easy access to information and redressal mechanisms.

A Collective Responsibility

National Consumer Rights Day isn’t just about recognizing consumer rights; it’s about creating a society where ethical business practices thrive, and consumers feel empowered. The responsibility lies with all stakeholders—consumers, businesses, and the government—to ensure a fair and just marketplace.

Therefore, this holiday season as you go shopping, never forget that being an aware and responsible consumer is your right; it is, after all, your responsibility. Together, let’s celebrate this day by making promises to protect our rights and perform our responsibilities well.
Do You Know

Consumer Protection Act, 2019, has enacted provisions regarding e-commerce, the fines for misleading ads. In case you felt deceived while shopping online or at some point, believe it, this law would help you.

Stay abreast. Stay empowered. Celebrate your rights!