UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 36
With reference to consumers' rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
- When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
- In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: The consumer-protection framework permits consumer action on unsafe food and allows legal heirs to pursue claims; complaint fees were not universally waived.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Consumers can invoke statutory food-safety mechanisms, including requesting analysis of food samples.
2: Incorrect - Consumer forums prescribe complaint fees in applicable cases; an absolute no-fee claim is wrong.
3: Correct - Recognised legal heirs/representatives may file or continue consumer complaints after death.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - omits correct item 3.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 2; omits correct item 1.
C: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 2.
Review Note: Fee rules and forum nomenclature changed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019; interpret in the 2012 setting.