In a significant development for consumer protection in India, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition demanding that consumers be granted the fundamental right to know details regarding the products they purchase, including quality, certification, and the identity of the seller.
Supreme Court advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed the petition, making a pivotal move to enhance transparency and fairness in commercial transactions.
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta has issued notices to the central government as well as all state governments, requesting their responses on the matter. The court has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks later.
This decision comes in light of growing concerns about misleading products and the need for regulatory reforms that protect everyday consumers.
Petition Highlights
The petitioner has argued that granting this right would empower consumers to take legal action against substandard or falsely advertised products. It further states that consumers often face significant hurdles in identifying the responsible party when seeking redressal, due to a lack of clear seller or distributor information.
The petition also advocates for mandatory display boards at all retail outlets, detailing the name, address, phone number, and employee count of the trader or shopkeeper.
This measure, it suggests, would ensure accountability and facilitate consumer complaints before appropriate forums.
According to the plea, access to accurate and complete product and seller information is vital for consumers to make informed choices. It is also essential to guard against exploitative practices, fraudulent trade activities, and unethical business conduct.
The petition underscores that consumer rights are a cornerstone of a fair market economy and that transparency fosters trust between buyers and sellers. If accepted, this legal intervention could lead to significant policy changes, bolstering the framework for consumer protection across India.
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