The Consumer Awakening Mission is an initiative focused on educating and empowering consumers about their rights. It serves as a platform where individuals can seek guidance on consumer-related issues, legal disputes, and complaint redressal. Committed to spreading awareness, the mission actively provides legal advisory services, mediation, and advocacy for consumers. It aims to build a strong network of informed individuals who can make well-informed decisions while dealing with consumer transactions.
Objectives of the Consumer Awakening Trust
The Consumer Awakening Trust plays a significant role in protecting consumer rights and providing legal assistance. Key objectives include:
- Free Legal Advice – Offering free legal guidance through its YouTube channel, helping individuals understand their rights and legal options. This initiative ensures that consumers have easy access to information on handling fraudulent activities, defective products, and unfair trade practices.
- Drafting Assistance – Supporting consumers in drafting complaints, petitions, and other legal documents. Many consumers struggle with legal jargon and the correct format for presenting their grievances; this assistance makes the process more accessible.
- Mediation Services – Facilitating mediation between disputing parties to achieve amicable resolutions. This helps resolve cases faster, avoiding lengthy and expensive legal battles.
- Consumer Awareness Programs – Conducting sessions, workshops, and campaigns to educate people on consumer rights, including their legal options in case of fraud or negligence.
- Advocacy for Stronger Consumer Laws – The trust actively participates in discussions and policy-making to ensure better laws for consumer protection.
- Collaboration with Legal and Consumer Organizations – The mission works alongside legal bodies and consumer organizations to strengthen the consumer protection movement in India.
Leadership & Expertise
The Consumer Awakening Mission is led by an experienced legal professional specializing in consumer laws and dispute resolution. Key credentials include:
- Former Legal Advisor (SAIL) – Provided legal counsel to Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), ensuring compliance with consumer laws.
- Former Member, Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Delhi – Handled consumer grievances in Delhi’s Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, playing a critical role in resolving numerous disputes.
- Member of the Rulemaking Committee – Contributed to drafting the Consumer Protection Act 2019, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
- Arbitrator & Mediator – Served in multiple institutions, including:
- Delhi International Arbitration Centre, High Court of Delhi
- Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) & Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC), Delhi
- District Court, Dwarka, Delhi
- Counselor & Board Member – Associated with various organizations advocating consumer rights:
- Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation – Promotes legal awareness and social justice.
- Consumer Voice – Member of the Board of Directors and Governing Council of VOICE, focusing on consumer protection and policy reforms.
Consumer Protection Act 2019 & Contributions
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 brought significant improvements in consumer laws, including:
- Strengthening consumer rights by giving them more power to file complaints and demand compensation for damages.
- Establishing the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate consumer complaints and take legal action against violators.
- Regulating e-commerce transactions to protect online buyers from fraudulent practices.
- Increasing penalties for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices to hold businesses accountable for deceptive marketing.
- Promoting mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, helping consumers resolve their issues without undergoing complex legal proceedings.
As a member of the rulemaking committee, the leadership of the Consumer Awakening Mission played a key role in shaping these reforms. This contribution has helped enhance the efficiency of consumer courts and broadened the scope of consumer rights in India.
Promoting Awareness Through Books & Publications
To enhance consumer awareness, several books have been authored, covering topics such as:
- Consumer Law & Mediation – A detailed guide on resolving consumer disputes effectively.
- Consumer Protection 2019: New Dimensions – Explaining the latest reforms in consumer laws and their implications.
- Medical Negligence – Addressing patient rights, legal remedies, and responsibilities of medical practitioners.
- Do the Courts Make Law? – Insights from landmark consumer judgments, illustrating how legal precedents shape consumer laws.
These publications are valuable resources for consumers, legal professionals, students, and policymakers. They provide in-depth knowledge of legal frameworks and equip individuals with practical tools to handle consumer disputes effectively.
Digital Outreach & Consumer Education
In today’s digital world, online platforms play a crucial role in consumer education. The Consumer Awakening Mission leverages social media, webinars, and online articles to spread awareness. Its YouTube channel provides legal tips, explains consumer laws, and shares real-life case studies to help consumers understand their rights.
Additionally, the mission conducts online legal clinics where consumers can ask questions and receive expert advice. These digital initiatives ensure that people from different parts of India can access consumer-related information without geographical barriers.