What is Consumer Dispute?

You must have heard about consumer complaints and consumer disputes but do you have confusion regarding what exactly they are? Well let me tell you who are consumers and what is consumer dispute. I will also talk about national consumer disputes redressal commission so that if you are ever in a fix you know what to do and where to go.

A consumer is a person who consumes or avails a product or service in return for a consideration. The consideration could be paid, promised, partly paid and partly promised. 

Consumer disputes are the grievances filed or raised by the consumer on defective goods or services he/she has received. 

NCDRC is National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission which came into force in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act 1986. NCDRC functions in 3 tiers- 

• District Forum

• State Commission

• National Commission

A consumer can file a complaint with the District Forum if the damages are of up to Rs. 20 lakhs. If the damages are up to Rs. 1 crore, the complaint must be filed with the state commission, whereas a complaint with the National Commission can be filed for damages above Rs. 1 crore.

I hope you have better clarity on what is consumer dispute, and what is NCDRC.

The meaning of consumer dispute is a situation where a complainant alleges that their rights as a consumer have been violated, leading to a disagreement or conflict. These disputes can arise in various contexts related to goods and services. 

What are the Key Aspects to Define Consumer Dispute?

• Types of Consumer Disputes:

1. Unfair Contracts or Trade Practices: When a trader or service provider adopts unfair, restrictive, or deceptive practices.

2. Defective Goods: Disputes related to goods that suffer from one or more defects.

3. Deficiency in Services: Complaints about services that do not meet the expected standards.

4. Overcharging: When a trader or service provider charges a price exceeding legal limits or the displayed price.

5. Unsafe Goods: Disputes regarding hazardous goods offered for sale in violation of safety standards.

• Complainant:

1. A complainant can be an individual consumer, a voluntary consumer association, the Central Government, the State Government, the Central Authority, or a group of consumers with similar interests.

2. In case of a consumer’s death, their legal heir or representative can also be a complainant.

3. If the consumer is a minor, their parent or legal guardian can file a complaint.

• Resolution:

1. Consumer disputes are addressed through the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

2. The commission provides relief to complainants based on the nature of the dispute and applicable laws.

This solves your query about the meaning of consumer dispute.

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