CONSUMER PROTECTION AND VULNERABLE SECTIONS OF THE SOCIETY

Author (s) : Dr. C.V.SUJARITHA and S.PADMAVATHI

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Abstract :
In a market economy where commercial firms compete to sell their goods and services to the consumers, more often resort to exploit the consumers by adopting unscrupulous, unfair and restrictive trade practices. Consumers are a weak party in buying goods and services as compared to the manufacturers and traders. As most of the consumers are being lured by the deceptive advertisements exaggerating the content, quality and effects of their goods or products and services, they require legal support against such exploitation.  For that reason, even in a free market economy consumer needs protection for his rights by a legal authority. So that erroneous vendors are to be brought to legal action. A person, who is a consumer, may sue a hospital for medical negligence; an Architect for a faulty design as it becomes hazardous occupation; or a building contractor for defective work and an electricity for unsafe service due to defective work. Consumers in the developed countries such as the USA and UK are much more conscious of their rights than developing countries. But in countries such as India, because of poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness of legal rights consumers are quite a vulnerable for defective, adulteration and unsafe products. As a result, manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services generally exploit the consumers by adopting unfair and restrictive trade practices. Hence, this paper highlights the views on consumer protection and vulnerable sections of the society in India to create awareness among consumers.  This study was concluded that India has taken an important initiative by reserving one-third of all seats for women in urban and local self-government for the empowerment of women. It has guaranteed human rights to all persons in India including the protection of minorities and it has also been deeply conscious of the need to empower the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes at every level. The Constitution of India abolished “untouchability” and forbids its practice in any form. Consumers from vulnerable groups are to be highly protected.

Keywords : Consumer Protection, Vulnerable Sections of the Society, Consumer Rights

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 88

Paper ID : IESMDT86