 |
Frequently
Asked Questions
Additional FAQ in Tamil (pdf Format)
Consumer
Protection Act
Definition
of Consumer under the Act:
A
person who buys any goods or services for a
consideration which has been paid or promised or partly
paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred
payment is a Consumer.
Note:
A
person who obtains such goods for resale or for any
commercial purposes will not be a consumer. However, if
such goods are bought by a person exclusively for the
purpose of earning his livelihood by means of
self-employment then such a person will be considered as
a consumer.
What
are the activities carried out by the Government of
Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection
Department towards Consumer Education?
-
Operating
a State level Consumer Information Centre
-
Conducting
Consumer Education programmes through AIR, TV and
pint media
-
Spreading
awareness among children through formation and
promotion of consumer clubs in Educational
Institutions
-
Regular
conducting of seminars, workshops and interactions
with Voluntary Consumer Organisations, Service
providers stake holders on consumer issues
-
Legal
intervention on behalf of consumers in important
issues to protect their interests as contemplated
under Consumer Protection Act, 1986
-
Quality
testing of product and services to assess and to
initiate remedial measures for any unfair trade
practices and issue alerts
-
Sustainable
consumption campaign amongst all segments of the
public
What
are the functions of the Consumer Clubs in schools /
colleges?
Consumer
Clubs have to be activated through some structured
activities. Active Consumer Clubs may go beyond this and
also take up innovative activities. The following basic
structure of functioning is recommended:
-
Monthly
meetings and demonstrations for one hour after
school hours on the First Thursday of each month.
Each month a topic / activity may be scheduled as in
the model calender.
-
Days
of National and International importance to
consumers may be celebrated in the School / College.
Poster / Speech / Essay competitions can be
organised at school level by the Consumer Club.
-
Field
visits to local markets / Consumer Courts and door
to door campaign in the local community etc., may be
organized for atleast 4 days in a year. It can be
done on Saturdays by prior arrangement.
-
Minutes
of each activity have to be recorded by the Student
and Teacher Co-ordinator jointly to document.
-
A
Consumer Club notice board shall be opened to be
updated daily by the teach and students with
consumer related news.
What
are the steps to be taken by the consumers against
defectiveness?
On
noticing the defectiveness of the commodity / service
provided the consumer has to approach the concerned
Commercial / Government organisation requesting for
rectification / change of commodity / return back of
money, in writing. (with acknowledgement) If the
concerned organisation failed to take appropriate
action, the District Collector shall legally initiate
action.
Who
can make complaint?
-
A
consumer as defined under Consumer Protection Act,
1986
-
A
registered Voluntary Consumer Association
-
Central
Government
-
State
Government / Union Territory
-
one
or more consumers representing numerous consumers
having the same interest.
When
the complaints can be made?
A
complaint may be made in writing under the following
circumstances:
-
Loss
or damage is caused to the consumer due to unfair
trade practice of a trader.
-
If
the article purchased by a consumer is defective.
-
If
the services availed of by a consumer suffer from
any deficiency.
-
When
the price paid by a consumer is in excess of the
price displayed on the goods or when the price is in
excess of the price fixed under any law in force.
-
Goods,
which will be hazardous to life and safety, when
used are being offered for sale to the public in
contravention of the provisions of any law.
What
is District Consumer Protection Council?
District
Consumer Protection Council is the council constituted
under Consumer Protection Act, 1986 for each district.
District Collector acts as its Chairman, District Supply
and Consumer Protection Officer as Member-Secretary, and
all the M.P.s, M.L.A.s and officials of all Government
Departments having Consumer interface of the Concerned
District as members along with the VCOs functioning in
the District. This Council shall meet twice in a year as
per Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Representations
given by the VCOs during the meetings.
Where
complaints can be registered?
District
Consumer Protection Council |
Action
will be initiated legally through the Department
concerned on the petitions regarding the defects
filed before this Council which function under
the chairmanship of the District Collector |
Price
of the commodity or value of the services and
value of compensation claimed |
District
Consumer Forum |
for
a claim of Compensation upto Rs.20 lakhs |
State
Commission |
for
a claim of Compensation above Rs.20 lakhs and
upto to Rs.1 crore |
National
Commission |
for
a claim of Compensation above Rs.1 crore |
How
to register the complaints?
-
Complaint
can be registered within 2 years from the date on
which the cause of action has arisen.
-
Stamp
paper is not required for declaration
-
.Complaint
can be registered, in person, by the complainant or
through his authorised agent or by post addressed to
the Redressal Agency.
-
Lawyers
are not necessary.
What
are the particulars that should be furnished along with
the complaint?
The
complaint should contain the following
particulars:
-
The
name and complete address of the complainant
-
The
name and complete address of the opposite
party/parties
-
Date
of purchase goods or services availed
-
Amount
paid for the above purpose
-
Particulars
of goods purchases with numbers or details of
services availed
-
The
details of complaint, whether it is against Unfair
Trade Practice / supply of defective goods /
deficiency in service provided / collection of
excess price, should explicitly be mentioned in the
complaint petition.
-
Bills
/ receipts and copies of connected correspondence,
if any,
-
The
relief sought for under this Act.
What
are the relief provided under the Act:
The
District Forum / State Commission can order the
following reliefs:
-
To
remove the defects in the goods pointed out.
-
To
replace the goods.
-
To
return to the complainant the price of the goods
-
To
pay such amount of compensation for the loss or
injury suffered by the consumer.
-
To
remove the defects or deficiency in the services
-
To
discontinue the unfair trade practice or not to
repeat it
-
To
withdraw the hazardous goods from being offered for
sale
-
To
provide the cost of expenditure incurred by the
complainant
What
is the appeal provision?
-
Aggrieved
by the orders issued by the District Consumer
Redressal Forum appeal petition may be filed before
State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission within
30 days from the date of receipt of orders
-
Aggrieved
by the orders issued by the State Consumer Dispute
Redressal Commission appeal petition may be filed
before National Consumer Dispute Redressal
Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt
of orders.
-
Aggrieved
by the orders issued by the National Consumer
Dispute Redressal Commission appeal petition may be
filed before Supreme Court of India within 30 days
from the date of receipt of orders
-
No
fee is charged for registering an appeal petition
before State / National Consumer Dispute Redressal
Commissions.
-
The
appeal petition has to be filed with the grounds for
appeal with copies of orders of the lower redressal
agencies and registering procedures are same as is
being done in the case of registering complaint.
What
are the Rights of Consumers as stipulated under Consumer
Protection Act 1986.
Consumer
is having the rights as indicated below:
1.
Right to Safety
2.
Right to be Informed
3.
Right to Choose
4.
Right to be heard
5.
Right to seek Redressal
6.
Right to Consumer Education
Based
on the amendments to the UN guidelines, more rights have
emerged
7.
Right to Basic needs
8.
Right to a health environment
Where
to obtain further details regarding Consumer Protection:
-
Through
website in www.fcamin.nic.in, www.core.nic.in
-
You
may contact your District Collector and the
Chairman, District Consumer Protection Council and
also the Voluntary Consumer Organisation of locality
with valid reputation
What
are the addresses of the District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forums functioning in the State of Tamil Nadu
Address of Tamil Nadu State Commission, Chennai, Circuit Bench of State Commission, Madurai and all the District Fora in the state |
S.
No |
Name of the State Commission / District Fora |
Address |
Telephone No &
E-Mail Id |
STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION |
1 |
State Commission, Chennai |
Registrar,
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission,
Frazer Bridge Road, V.O.C. Nagar,
Park Town, Chennai-600 003. |
044-25340040
044-25340050
tn-sforum@nic.in |
2
|
Circuit Bench of Madurai |
Assistant Registrar,
Circuit Bench of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Madurai
District Court Complex,
Madurai- 625 020. |
0452 -2533120
scdrcmaduraibench@gmail.com |
DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORA |
3 |
Chengalpattu
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Sub-Collector Office Compound, G.S.T. Road, Melamaiyur Village,
Chengalpattu. |
044- 27428832
chengalpattu.dcdrf@gmail.com |
4 |
Chennai (North)
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (North), Frazer Bridge Road, (Behind TNPSC), V.O.C. Nagar, Park Town
Chennai : 600 003. |
044 - 25340083
chennai.north@gmail.com |
5 |
Chennai (South)
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (South), Frazer Bridge Road, (Behind TNPSC), V.O.C. Nagar,Park Town
Chennai : 600 003. |
044 - 25340065
chennaisouth.dcdrf@gmail.com |
6 |
Coimbatore
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum,
Collectorate Campus,
Coimbatore : 641 018 |
0422 - 2300152
coimbatore.dcdrf@gmail.com |
7 |
Cuddalore DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
102, Pudupalayam Main Road,
Cuddalore : 607 002. |
04142 - 295926
cuddalore.dcdrf@gmail.com |
8 |
Villupuram
DCDRF
(Combined with Cuddalore) |
The President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
21/5,Trichy Main Road,
Woodland Hotel Complex,II Floor,
Villupuram |
04142 - 295926
villupuram.dcdrf@gmail.com |
9 |
Dindigul DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
No.1, Anna Nagar, Near MSP School, Dindigul – 624 005. |
0451 - 2433055
dindigul.dcdrf@gmail.com |
10 |
Erode DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Panneer Selvam Park, Cutcherry Street, J.M. Court No.III Campus,
Erode – 638 001. |
0424 - 2250022
erode.dcdrf@gmail.com |
11 |
Karur DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Municipal Building, Azad Road,
Karur 639 002. |
04324 - 260193
karur.dcdrf@gmail.com |
12 |
Madurai DCDRF |
President
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court campus, II Floor
Madurai 625 001 |
0452 - 2533304
madurai.dcdrf@gmail.com |
13 |
Nagapattinam
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
543, Public Office Road,
Vellipalayam,
Nagapattinam 611 001 |
04365 - 247668
nagai.dcdrf@gmail.com |
14 |
Nagercoil DCDRF |
President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
55, Old No.36/1, I Floor, President
Sivathanu Road,
South of S.L.B. Hr. Sec. School,
Nagercoil : 629 001. |
04652 - 229683
nagercoil.dcdrf@gmail.com |
15 |
Namakkal DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
3/152-D, Jeeva Complex,
Trichy Main Road,
Namakkal:637 001. |
04286 - 224716
namakkal.dcdrf@gmail.com |
16 |
Perambalur
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Lakshmi Illam,
345, Rover Nagar, I Floor, Ellambalur Road,
Perambalur : 621 212. |
04328 - 276700
perambalur.dcdrf@gmail.com |
17 |
Salem DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court Campus,
Yercaud Main Road,
Hasthampatty,
Salem:636 007 |
0427 - 2413279
salem.dcdrf@gmail.com |
18 |
Sivagangai
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
10/25, Thirupathur Road,
Sivagangai : 630 561 |
04575 - 241591
sivaganga.dcdrf@gmail.com |
19 |
Ramanathapuram
DCDRF
(Combined with Sivagangai) |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Collectorate Complex,(Meeting Hall) Ramanathapuram 623 501 |
04575 - 241591
ramanathapuram.dcdrf@gmail.com |
20 |
Virudhunagar Dist.
@ Srivilliputhur
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Virdhunagar District Court
Complex, Srivilliputhur -626 125
District : Virdhunagar |
04563 - 260380
virudhunagar.dcdrf@gmail.com |
21 |
Thanjavur DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum,
Elango Commercial Complex,
Court Road, Needhi Nagar,
Thanjavur : 613 002. |
04362 - 272 507
thanjavur.dcdrf@gmail.com |
22 |
Pudukkottai
DCDRF
(Combined with Thanjavur) |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court Campus,
Pudukkottai – 622 001 |
04362 - 272 507
pudukkottai.dcdrf@gmail.com |
23 |
The Nilgiris
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
N.C.M.S. Complex
Udhagamandalam : 643 001. |
0423 - 2451500
nilgiris.dcdrf@gmail.com |
24 |
Theni DCDRF |
President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
I Floor, Combined Court Buildings, Lakshmipuram, Periakulam Road,
Theni – 625 523 |
04546 - 269801
theni.dcdrf@gmail.com |
25 |
Tiruchirapalli
DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
402/1, Heber Road,
District Court Buildings, Cantonment,
Tiruchirapalli-622 001 |
0431 - 2461481
trichy.dcdrf@gmail.com |
26 |
Tirunelveli DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
No. 4/933 A, 70 Feet Road,
Rahmath Nagar,
Tirunelveli. |
0462 - 2541134
tirunelveli.dcdrf@gmail.com |
27 |
Tuticorin
DCDRF
(Combined with Tirunelveli) |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Old vacant adjacent Building, Coimbined Court Buildings,Near F.T.C.
Tuticorin-628008 |
0462 – 2572134
thoothukudi.dcdrf@gmail.com |
28 |
Tiruvallur DCDRF |
President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
1-D, C.V.Naidu Salai,
1st Cross Street
Tiruvallur : 602 001. |
044 - 27664823
thiruvallur.dcdrf@gmail.com |
29 |
Tiruvarur DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
52, Kumara Koil Street,
Tiruvarur : 610 001. |
04366 - 224353
tiruvarur.dcdrf@gmail.com |
30 |
Vellore DCDRF |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum, District Court Campus,
Sathuvachari,
Vellore : 632 009. |
0416 - 2254780
vellore.dcdrf@gmail.com |
31 |
Thiruvannamalai
DCDRF
(Combined with Vellore) |
President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Near Disrict Rural Development Office, Collectorate Campus,
Vengikkal Village,
Thiruvannamalai-606 604 |
04175 - 232395
tiruvannamalai.dcdrf@gmail.com |
32 |
Krishnagiri
DCDRF |
President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Coimbined Court Buildings,
Rayakottai Road,
Krishnagiri – 635 002. |
04343 - 225223
krishnagiri.dcdrf@gmail.com |
|
 |
 |