CJ releases book on consumer rights

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) A book, which educates the consumers about their rights, was released here by Chief Justice Of India K G Balakrishnan.

''Consumer is King''!! Know Your Rights and Remedies, written by Rajyalakshmi Rao, a member of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) was released yesterday.

It is a step by step guide for the consumers to file complaints in court for redressal of their grievances.

The book aims to educate people of their rights. Most people do not know the areas, which can be redressed by this forum.

Justice Balakrishnan said, ''Consumer courts are a remedy for common man but while deciding cases, the Judges must consider that a poor manufacturer or a small-skilled trader like a shoe-maker, who has recently started a small unit with his meagre means is forced to pay compensation so heavy that he is doomed. The Courts should be like a benevolent King, who should prosecute a poor man to depreive him of his income.'' Justice M B Shah, Chairman of the NCDRC said, ''In India, laws are stagnant. Citing the example of foreign countries, Justice Shah said the consumer laws are very stringent. The UK has recently ammended its Contract Law giving more powers to the consumer in the event of failure of contract by the manufacturer.'' Justice Shah said, ''It is easy to say consumer is the King but in India it is not so yet as laws are favouring the industrialist. We have to implement the consumer laws as enshrined by the United Nations, where it is said the consumers should be protected against marketing of goods, which are hazardous to life and health of people.'' Former Chief Justice R S Lahoti and other Supreme Court and High Court Judges were also present in the occasion.

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