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Courting consumers
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Tomorrow is World Consumer Day and while the Hyderabadi is fairly aware of his rights, a lot more needs to be done to increase awareness.
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CASE STUDY: (From left) N.R. Krishnaswami, President Bhupati Reddy and Shreesha at the court. Photo: K. Ramesh Babu
WE HAVE our favourite horror stories of being duped out of money or services by XYZ. We invariably end our sad stories darkly muttering, "I should have taken him or her to court." Most of us, however, do not do so mainly because we feel the process would be long-drawn out.
"The main aim of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is to render justice in a speedy and inexpensive manner," M. Shreesha, member of the bench, District Consumer Redressal Forum I, Hyderabad, said.
Shreesha said the Consumer forum, which settles compensations for up to Rs. 5 lakhs was set up for this purpose. "We are all consumers," she said. "We can, however, get compensation or redressal only for goods or services that we have received for a consideration." There goes your chance of getting a refund on that free coffeemaker.
The bench has three members - the president who is from the judiciary, and two members who are "lay people with ten years experience in their field. One of the members has to be a woman. We listen to the cases and decide the compensation."
Incidentally, there are no court fees nor do you need a lawyer as you can present your case yourself - here is your chance to realise that Ally McBeal dream. "The cases are supposed to be settled within 90 days but it does not happen because of the large pendency of earlier cases," Shreesha commented. "Still it is faster than any other court."
N.R. Krishnaswami, also member of the bench, District Consumer Redressal Forum, did not buy the `not having time' excuse for not going to the consumer forum. "If it is your case, you must take interest and follow it up."
Krishnaswami said all cases were "interesting and important." The problem areas according to both Shreesha and Krishnaswami included real estate (where the builder takes the money and does not complete the job), education (taking the money and not completing the course mainly in computer institutes), essential services (astronomical electricity and phone bills), banking services, chit fund companies and negligence in medical services.
"You have to keep the bill and warranty card," Shreesha said. "You need to have something in writing. If the promise is verbal, then you do not have a leg to stand on."
Krishnaswami said the Hyderabadi is quite aware of his rights but "a lot needs to be done about increasing awareness." Shreesha said her goal was to "educate and motivate rural women with the help of NGOs and the government. Women should be educated about consumer issues as it would go a long way in consumer awareness. This is important as women are the decision makers about education and consumer goods."
So the next time you get that big, fat phone bill do not just mutter, mumble and curse. Just head straight for the consumer forum, present your case, follow it up and justice will be yours.
MINI ANTHIKAD-CHHIBBER
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