Rights, Duties & Responsibilities of Consumers

Dear Class 12 Samacheer Kalvi students, here are the text book solutions for Chapter 17, Rights, Duties & Responsibilities of Consumers in Commerce for your reference.

I. Choose the Correct Answers:

II. Very Short Answer Questions:

1. Write short notes on: “Right to be informed.”

Consumers should be given all the relevant facts about the product so that they can take intelligent decisions on purchasing the product. Advertising and labelling on the package should provide objective information to buyers.

The manufacturer and the dealer are expected to disclose all the material facts relevant to the product. The package should contain the full details about the name of the product, composition, dosage, date of manufacturing, date of expiry, batch number, warnings, antidote etc.

It should also clarify the name of the manufacturer, price with or without tax. Such information goes a long way towards saving the consumer against the possible deceit.

2. What are the rights of consumer according to John F. Kennedy?

The former president of U.S.A Mr. John F. Kennedy defined the basic consumer rights as “The Right of Safety, the Right to be informed, the Right to choose and the Right to be heard.”

3. Which is the supreme objective of business?

Satisfaction of consumers wants and needs is stated to be the prime and supreme objective of a business.

III. Short Answer Questions:

1. What do you understand by “Right to redressal”.

The complaints and protests of consumers are not just to be heard: but the aggrieved party is to be granted compensation within a reasonable time period . There should be prompt settlement of complaints and claims lodged by the aggrieved customers. This will boost consumer confidence and help render justice to buyers. There should be fair and just settlement of deserving claims in a definite timeframe.

2. What do you understand about” Right to protection of health and safety”.

There may be few products that are more likely to cause physical danger to consumers’ health, lives and property. They may contain potentially harmful substances which are dangerous from the consumer welfare point of view.

The best examples of this kind are food additives, colours, emulsifiers, preservatives. The health hazards which are likely to arise have to be eradicated or reduced altogether. In case of food items and drugs both life saving and life sustaining safety is to be guaranteed. Recent legislations have shifted the responsibility for the production of such unsafe items onto the shoulders of sellers rather than on buyers.

IV. Long Answer Questions:

1. Explain the duties of consumers. (any 5)

Following are the duties of consumers:

1) Buying Quality Products at Reasonable Price

It is the responsibility of a consumer to purchase a product after gaining a thorough knowledge of its price, quality and other terms and conditions. The consumer should enquire about the price from certain shops  or government stores. The consumer has to have the knowledge about the quality from his own experiences or from the experiences of other persons who used the product or by browsing the website. Hence it is the duty of the consumer to buy scrupulously.

2) Ensure the Weights and Measurement before Making Purchases

The sellers often cheat consumer by using unfair weights and measures. The consumer should ensure that he/she is getting the product of exact weight and measure. Consumer should check the weights and balance of the product. Consumer should not buy a product which has been weighed along with its packing. Therefore the consumer should remain vigilant when the seller is naturally measuring or weighing the product.

3) Reading the Label Carefully

It is the duty of the consumer to thoroughly read the label of the product. It should have correct, complete and true information about the product.

4) Beware of False and Attractive Advertisements

Often the products are not as attractive as shown in the advertisement by the sellers. Hence, it is the prime duty of consumer not to get misled by such fraudulent advertisements.

5) Ensuring the Receipt of Cash Bill

It is the duty of consumers to collect cash receipt and warranty card supplied along with bills. This will help them in seeking redressal for their grievances. Unscrupulous sellers offer to reduce the final price of goods if they sell without bill. Often consumers get allured by this trap. In this case, if the goods bought without bill go out of order or turn defective, consumers cannot approach the consumer court without proof of purchase. Hence it is the duty of the consumer to demand and collect the cash receipt, and warranty card.

2. What are the responsibilities of consumers? (any 5)

The responsibilities of consumer are listed below;

1. The consumer must pay the price of the goods according to the terms and conditions of the sales contract.

2. The consumer has got a responsibility to apply to the seller for the delivery of the goods. He/she has to take delivery of the goods in time.

3. The consumer has to bear any loss, which may arise to the seller when the consumer delays taking delivery of the goods as per the terms of contract.

4. The consumer is bound to pay any interest and special damages caused to the seller in case if there is delay in the payment.

5. The consumer has to assiduously follow and keenly observe the instructions and precautions while using the products.