Consumers Need To Be Aware of Their Rights: Khagen Dohotia

GUWAHATI: On the eve of National Consumer Rights Day, Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum organized a Public meeting, awareness Program and free Legal Aid camp for the victim consumers on Monday at Panjabari in collaboration with Jyotishikha Mahila Samannay Parishad. Attending as a Chief Guest in the program, Khagen Dohotia, Retired District and Session Judge elaborately described about the provisions of Consumer Protection Act 1986. In his speech Dohotia said, “This act gives us more power to protect our rights as a consumer. Most of us are not aware with our rights. After shopping, we never go through the cash memo even a single time. Without the cash memo, we cannot claim compensation. A victim consumer can knock the door of District Consumer forum, State and National Consumer Commission if he has the case memo in his hand for justice.”

Advocate Ajoy Hazarika, Secretary Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum spoke about the Rights of Consumer. He informed that under no circumstance should consumers pay more than the maximum retail price. They can actually bargain over the MRP. The shop owners cannot put their own stickers checking to make an extra profit on the commodities. Everyone should be aware with the misleading advertisement broadcast in the TV channels. At the time of online shopping, we should go thoroughly with the terms & conditions of the business house. We should raise our voice strongly against medical negligence cases. The financial institution can’t offer the benefits to its consumers above rate fixed by RBI.

Attending the program, noted writer and retired civil servant Tabiul Hussain share his experiences about the harassed bank authorities and wrong treatment of Hospitals and Doctors. He appeals everyone to make themselves more aware to avoid the unwanted situation. Other participants, representing various organizations also share their experiences, how they are cheated by the roadside vendors to shopping malls in their day-to-day lives. Ranjan Chakravarty, Senior Journalist, who conducted the program, also gave emphasis on creating awareness among common consumers. Legal Experts of Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum provides free legal aid to the victim consumers during the largely attended program, a press release stated.

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