Union Minister Ashwani Kumar & Justice M. B. Shah release authors Rajyalakshmi Rao and Nabankur Gupta’s book ‘Consumer Rights and You’

The formal launch of ‘Consumer Rights and You’ by authors Rajyalakshmi Rao (Former Member & Judge, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Government of India) and Nabankur Gupta (Founder CEO, Nobby Brand Architects & Strategic Marketing Consultants and Independent Director on Board for many cos.) was presided by Justice M. B. Shah (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and Former President, NCDRC), Chief Guest: Ashwani Kumar (Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary Affairs, Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences) with Guests of Honour Deepak Parekh (Chairman, HDFC) Pritish Nandy (Chairman, Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd.).  Various distinguished personalities, celebrities and socialites attended the glittering launch event.

Publishers Pearson Education presents ‘Consumer Rights and You’ as part of the consumer education initiative. ‘Consumer Rights and You’ is a handy guide that makes the Consumer Protection Act handy for everyone with helpful illustrations accompanying case judgments.

In ‘Consumer Rights and You’, the authors Rajyalakshmi Rao and Nabankur Gupta provide solutions to many consumer woes by explaining the Consumer Protection Act through cases actually decided by the Consumer Fora. The book deals with complaints in sectors such as insurance, medical, housing, banking, education and public utilities and provides consumers with the know-how to effectively respond to defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices. Aggrieved consumers are given a step-by-step approach to file for both major and minor claims on their own and get a speedy redressal as well as cautionary advice to safeguard themselves in the future from any exploitative trade practice. Advice for corporations is also available so that brand quality and consumer satisfaction may be assured.

Author Rajyalakshmi Rao says, “We would like to dedicate the book ‘Consumer Rights and You’ to all consumers so as to help them know their rights and the Consumer Protection Act completely. Based on my 18-year old tenure at the consumer courts, we have highlighted cases from various sectors using simple language with illustrations for greater clarifications and visual relief. We hope to help consumers understand how the law favours them giving examples from landmark judgments.

Author Nabankur Gupta adds, “The book ‘Consumer Rights and You’ is meant for both consumers and corporates so that both are aware, alert and vigilant. Consumer awareness will help consumers assert their rights with retailers, manufacturers and service providers; and rectify any defect or deficiency. Corporates will profit from the valuable information in this book and will be able to train their staff on how to handle aggrieved consumers successfully.”

In his foreword, Justice M. B. Shah (Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and Former President, NCDRC), says, “The importance of the Consumer Protection Act lies in promoting the welfare of society. If this Act is properly implemented with zeal, it can control unfair trade practices and prevent injustice faced by consumers. For these reasons, the Consumer Protection Act appears to be like a silver lining.” He adds, “One of the objects of the Consumer Protection Act is consumer education. This simple book in lucid language guides the consumer helping him/ her understand his rights and remedies. It explains how to file a complaint and where to file it. At the same time, it gives inputs to corporates to mend their ways to improve customer service by having internal consumer grievance machinery. The illustrations placed in the chapters indicate how consumers are exploited and what relief they have successfully got from the Consumer Fora. The citation of the case law would help all readers.”

Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Ltd., says, “The book not only contains up-to-date guidelines for protection of the consumers but also includes several useful examples and tips… I would recommend Consumer Rights and You to law students and professionals and also to all who wish to know about their basic rights and the procedures for seeking justice.”

Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., says, “Unputdownable! This book weaves stories out of everyday problems faced by Indian consumers and proposes feasible solutions, making it essential read for both buyers and sellers.”

Harish Manwani, COO, Unilever, and Chairman, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., says, “The consumer is at the heart of every business… companies must not only serve and delight consumers but also protect consumer interests. Rajyalakshmi Rao’s long experience in dealing with consumer disputes at the national level has ensured that this book is as engaging as it is relevant and timely.”

Harsh Mariwala, CMD, Marico Ltd., Chairman, FMCG Committee of CII and President, FICCI, says, “The ideal book for CEOs, business leaders and managers to understand their consumers… for those consumed with the idea of better consumer service!”

Kumarmangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, says, “A terrific book combining practical experience with less legal jargon… it teaches and guides a consumer looking for answers.”

Pritish Nandy, Chairman, Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd., says, “This book provides us with some unique insights. This is not surprising given the experience of Rajyalakshmi Rao in handling such disputes and the expertise of Nobby Gupta in understanding brands and the impact such disputes have on them. A great read!”

About the authors

Rajyalakshmi Rao has the unique distinction of being the only person who has worked in all three tiers of the consumer Fora (District Forum, State Commission and National Commission). She is the only member, who did not have a judicial or administrative background. With over 18 years of experience in the field of consumer rights, Rao is an authority on the subject. Her book ‘Consumer is King’ has been translated into 11 regional languages. She has been recently appointed on the Reserve Bank of India’s committee headed by M. Damodaran (ex SEBI chief) to give recommendatory report on banking services rendered to retail and small customers, including pensioners and also to look into the system of grievance redressal mechanism prevalent in banks.

Nabankur Gupta is an independent director on the board of 13 companies and an advisor to several corporate houses. He is the recipient of various national and international corporate awards. In 1996, Gupta was one amongst 20 in the world, who was given the Marketing Superstar award by Advertising Age International, New York.