Page 3 - Consumer Protection

Govt proposes mandatory labelling for bulk pre-packaged commodities

The Consumer Affairs Ministry on Sunday proposed an amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, seeking to mandate the declaration of key information on pre-packaged commodities weighing over 25 kg or measuring more than 25 litres sold in retail markets. The move aims to close a loophole that currently exempts such bulk packages from displaying crucial details like maximum retail price (MRP), best before date, manufacturer information, and country of origin. "It is observed that packaged commodities above 25 kg are also available in the market for retail sale, which is not as per the intention to make all declarations on pre-packaged commodities meant for retail sale," the ministry said in a statement. The proposed amendment would require manufacturers, packers, and importers to provide comprehensive labelling on all pre-packaged goods intended for retail sale, regardless of quantity. This is expected to bring clarity to the industry and aid consumers in ..

Force majeure plea must be backed by evidence

The National Commission relied on past Supreme Court judgments to conclude that failure to hand over timely possession entitled the allottee to a refund along with interest

Municipal corp's plan revisions deemed illegal

The judge ruled that the disclosures in the original plan would remain valid and declared the subsequent eight revisions illegal

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