GS PrelimsGovernance and social sectorGovernance2012

With reference to consumers' rights/ privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing. 2. When, a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid. 3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf, Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A

1 only

B

2 and 3 only

C

1 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. Under the provisions of law in India, such as the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consumers or recognized consumer associations are empowered to take samples of food articles for analysis by public analysts, provided they follow the prescribed procedure (e.g., notifying the vendor, dividing the sample). 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Consumer Protection Act aims to provide accessible justice, a nominal fee is generally required to be paid when filing a complaint in a consumer forum (District Forum, State Commission, or National Commission), though the fee amount varies based on the value of the claim and the forum level. There might be exemptions for certain categories (like Below Poverty Line cardholders in some cases), but it's not universally free. 3. Statement 3 is correct. The Consumer Protection Act (both the 1986 Act applicable in 2012 and the subsequent 2019 Act) explicitly provides that in the case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir or representative can initiate or continue proceedings and file a complaint in the consumer forum on the deceased consumer's behalf.

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