National Consumer Rights Day 2024: National Consumer Rights Day i.e. National Consumer Rights Day 2024 is being celebrated across the country today (24 December). It is a national festival dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices. Many activities are organized on this day. These aim to sensitize consumers to make informed choices and promote their rights.
Often shopkeepers hang signs on their shops with the words ‘Sold goods/items will not be returned’. It is also printed on cash memos and bills issued by many vendors. Whenever a customer buys from such shops, he thinks that it would be better if he checks the goods properly now, because he will not return them later. The shopkeeper makes it clear in advance that even if the goods are damaged, they will not be returned. But has this question ever come to your mind whether it is wrong or right to write like this on the shop?
What are the rules?
According to the Consumer Protection Act, no shopkeeper can refuse to take back the goods sold to the customer. According to the Consumer Law, if the shopkeeper refuses to take back the sold goods and is found guilty, he may have to face fine and punishment.
According to this, no shopkeeper can write ‘Sold goods will not be returned’ on his shop. Writing or doing so is a violation of the rules made under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. For doing so, the shopkeeper may be punished and may even go to jail. Besides, he may also have to pay a heavy fine.
The Gujarat government has recently issued a circular to shopkeepers on this basis. The circular said that the customer has the right to return any item in the same form in which it was purchased from a shop or mall. The shopkeeper cannot refuse to take it back. According to the rules, shopkeepers can write that the consumer is not satisfied with a product, then he can return the goods within the stipulated time and get the money back. Many consumer courts in the country have also given important decisions in favor of consumers from time to time.
Where to complain?
If you do not like any purchased item and you go to return it, the shopkeeper refuses you by pointing towards the board installed at the shop. It is written on that board that ‘sold goods will not be returned’. Despite this you do not have to go back. Customers should immediately complain to the consumer department about such shopkeepers.
You have two options to complain. If you want, you can file a complaint in the consumer court located in your district. Or you can register your complaint online by visiting the National Consumer Helpline https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/. A shopkeeper who refuses to accept return of goods will not only be fined, but strict action can also be taken against him.
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All customers should note that they have a legal right to return goods. If any item does not match the customer’s requirement, he has the right to return it as is. If a shopkeeper refuses to return or replace, you can complain online on the above mentioned website.