National Consumer Rights Day [24th December]

India celebrates National Consumer Rights Day on 24th December every year to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities. This day commemorates the day when Consumer Protection Act received the assent of the President on 24th December 1986 and came into force. Since then, National Consumer Rights Day is celebrated each year to educate people about their rights as consumers.

National Consumer Rights Day is often confused with World Consumer Rights Day, which is celebrated on 15th March. Though both have the same purpose, the former is observed at the National level while the latter is celebrated globally. Learn more about the theme, history and significance of National Consumer Rights Day here.

National Consumer Rights Day 2023

National Consumer Rights Day in India falls on 24th December every year because on this day in 1986, India’s Consumer Protection Act came into effect. So, the day is observed to make people aware of their rights as consumers to avoid getting exploited. Consumer Rights Day is important because through this day, the government can emphasize on consumer rights protection and get the citizens involved with this idea.

Here, we have shared a brief overview of Consumer Rights Day in India:

National Consumer Rights Day Theme 2022

Consumer Rights Day in India is celebrated with a specific theme each year. In partnership with the State and Local Authorities, the Union Government holds events and programs on consumer awareness. They feature skits and plays highlighting consumers' rights. The slogan "Jago Grahak Jago" (Wake Up Consumers) often follow the performances.

During to lockdowns, the Department of Consumer Affairs started hosting virtual events explaining the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The theme for 2021 was "Consumer- Know Your Rights." The Consumer Rights Day theme 2022 was “Fair Digital Finance.”

About Consumer Protection Act

Consumer Rights Day marks the day when the Consumer Protection Act was passed in India. The Consumer Protection Act 1986 came when the exploitation of consumers plagued India. The Act aims to protect consumers against all exploitation, including defective goods, negligent services, and unfair trade practices.

Hence, National Consumer Rights Day is considered a historic milestone in the consumer movement of the country. The Act empowered the consumers with six fundamental rights as follows:

• Right to Safety - To be protected against goods and services that may be hazardous to their health, life, and property
• Right to Choose - To have the freedom to choose between goods and services available at competitive rates.
• Right to be Informed - To be provided information about the quality, price, purity, potency, usage, date of manufacture/expiry, etc., of any good/service.
• Right to be Heard - Consumer complaints to be received due consideration at appropriate forums.
• Right to Seek Redressal - To be provided fair settlement/ compensation against unfair trade practices.
• Right to Consumer Education - To be constantly made aware of their rights

National Consumer Rights Day- History

The history of Consumer Rights Day in India can be traced back to 1986 when the Consumer Protection Act was passed by the Parliament. This Act introduced consumer rights aiming to protect consumers from exploitation in the market. Here is the complete history and timeline of National Consumer Rights Day:

• The Consumer Protection Act underwent some changes in 1991 and 1993, followed by a significant amendment in December 2002.
• On July 20, 2020, the Act was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act 2019 to widen the scope of consumer rights.
• The 2019 Act has also introduced the concept of an 'unfair contract.' This protects consumers from predatory contract terms that violate their rights.
• Accordingly, imposing an unreasonable condition that puts one party in a disadvantageous position is prohibited.
• Moreover, a new aspect introduced in the 2019 Act, which was not included in the repealed Act of 1986, which was, misleading online advertisements.
• Misleading advertisements include a false description or guarantee regarding a product, service, or deliberately not revealing essential information.
• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has the authority to act against such misleading advertisements and impose fines and penalties as it deems fit.
• To protect the interests of consumers, the government lays an emphasis on celebrating National Consumer Rights Day.

Significance of Consumer Rights Day in India

National Consumer Rights Day and the Consumer Act have gone a long way in protecting consumers from being cheated by manufacturers and sellers indulging in unfair trade practices. Unfair trade practices include:

• Offering spurious goods.
• Adopting deceptive practices.
• Not offering proper bills for goods or services sold.
• Refusing to take back defective goods.
• Disclosing the customer's personal information.

With the Consumer Rights Day being celebrated each year, the consumer gets more and more aware of their rights, and how to dodge or take action against unfair trade practices. Therefore, celebrating this day is important.

FAQs On National Consumer Rights Day

Q1. When is National Consumer Rights Day celebrated?

National Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on 24th December each year in India. Although World Consumer Rights Day is already celebrated on 15th March every year, India celebrates its own Consumer Rights Day nationally.

Q2 Why is 24th December celebrated as Consumer Rights Day in India?

24th December is celebrated as National Consumer Rights Day in India because it commemorates 24th December 1986, when the President approved the Consumer Protection Act in India.

Q3. What is the theme of National Consumer Rights Day 2022?

National Consumer Rights Day theme 2022 is “Fair Digital Finance.” Each year, a unique theme is decided for Consumer Rights Day to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.

Q4. When is the World Consumer Rights Day observed?

World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year. However, India celebrates its own National Consumer Rights Day on 24th December annually as it marks the date when Consumer Protection Act was passed in the country.