Page 3 - Consumer Protection

Revive policy or accept surrender value

The National Commission noted that if the policyholder wanted reinstatement, he should have made a written request and cleared the premiums

Frivolous complaint can cost consumer dearly

National Commission concluded that false and baseless allegations had been made in the complaint to claim a highly exaggerated and atrocious amount of compensation

Bank accountable for clearing forged cheque

Citing a Reserve Bank of India circular, the National Commission stated that the liability for honouring a forged cheque vests with the paying bank

SC states celebrities, influencers equally accountable for misleading ads

Top court asked FSSAI and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to file affidavits on action taken by CCPA against false or misleading ads in food and health sector

Basic fire policy doesn't cover self-ignition

The National Commission, on reviewing the Fire and Standard Perils Policy, found that spontaneous combustion is excluded unless additional coverage for it is specially purchased

Typo can't be basis for denial of claim

The State Commission concluded the insurer could not take advantage of a typographical error on the bank's part to repudiate a legitimate claim

Alcobev industry seek clarity on brand extension vs surrogate ads

List of products sold under the same brand name as alcobev for the past three years, including details of states where they were marketed

'53% consumers did not receive refund for inherently defective products'

At least 74% consumers had reached out for action on defective products, of which, only 21% got a product replacement or refund

Illegal construction can lead to claim denial

Since the insured didn't oppose the illegal addition to the structure, the National Commission held the claim for loss of stock had been rightly repudiated

Doctor liable to penalty for causing disability

The National Commission observed that evidence indicated Dr Gupta was conducting private practice while employed with a government Primary Health Centre, which was a serious misconduct

Buyer not bound by one-sided contract

The National Commission held that a buyer can neither be compelled to take possession without an Occupancy Certificate nor kept waiting endlessly for the flat's completion

Bank bound to honour bearer cheque

The National Commission pointed out that by issuing a "self" cheque payable to "bearer", Susheel had relinquished the right to question its encashmentc

Dark patterns: Govt sets guidelines of the game for digital business

These are tactics used by online platforms to manipulate or heavily influence customers to make certain choices

Insured cannot claim same expense twice

The National Commission concluded that reimbursement for the same head of expense, namely surgeon's fees, cannot be claimed twice

Protect Your Dream Home: Know Your Rights

Did you know you can seek a hefty refund if changes in real estate projects affect you negatively? Watch the video to know how >

Govt seeks public input on draft guidelines to curb online 'dark patterns'

The draft guidelines, accessible on the Department of Consumer Affairs website, seek public feedback within a 30-day period until October 5

Amazon Ring to pay $5.8 mn over unlawfully accessing consumer videos

California-based Ring, which was purchased by Amazon in February 2018, sells internet-connected, video-enabled home security cameras, doorbells, and related accessories and services

Quality gets better market, need to change mindset about quality: Goyal

Asserting that quality gets better market, Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday stressed the need to change the country's mindset about the quality of products and services. Addressing the 44th plenary meeting of International Standard Organisation (ISO) Technical Committee on Consumer Policy, Goyal said, "Quality is not an abstract term. Quality is not for goods alone but how you provide service. Quality is omnipresent." "Quality is what consumers are demanding today. Good quality can have an influence on our economy, ability to attract investments, international trade...," he said. Consumer right, consumer safety and consumer satisfaction are extremely important in this highly globalised world, he said and noted consumers can play a crucial role in shaping markets and driving economic growth. Stating that India has a great opportunity to become the world's third-largest economy in the next 4-5 years, the Minister said young population, huge talent and skill deploym

Suppression of key facts can lead to claim rejection

The National Commission concluded the claim had been rightly rejected on grounds of misrepresentation in the proposal form and breach of duty to maintain good faith

Delhi consumer grievances redressal: Upload pics of products, bills via app

Consumers in Delhi can now upload the pictures of a product, bill and other items via a new app to lodge a complaint on legal violations committed by a shop or an establishment with the city's weights and measures department. The app -- "Maaptol Grievance" -- has recently been developed and is available on Google Playstore. The app aims to facilitate the online registration and time-bound redressal of consumer grievances related to the Legal Metrology Act and the rules framed thereunder, officials said on Sunday. The complainant has to mention in the relevant fields of the software application his or her name and mobile number and the complete name and address of the shop or establishment where a violation of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the rules framed thereunder has been found, they said. In relevant cases, the complainant may upload photographs of the product related to the complaint and the bill, a senior official added. The application will ask a complainant or consumer i