BANGALORE: Consumers should not have a laidback approach when it comes to dishonest traders. If every consumer asserts his rights, it will be easy for the Department of Legal Metrology to keep a tab on all violations, believes Y.G. Murlidharan, of Consumer Rights Education and Awareness Trust (CREAT).

Autorickshaws and taxis are obliged to get their calibration checked annually by the Department and consumers who have been cheated must complain to the Controller of Legal Metrology at No 1, Ali Asker Road, Bangalore - 560 001.

Similarly violation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and Package Commodity Rules (PCR) can also be referred to the Department. Consumers should oppose selling of products above the MRP, smudging, altering tampering with price or stickers displayed.

"To ensure that proper action is taken, we must take a bill from the seller, so that evidence is provided. Otherwise they will get away," V.K. Somasekhar, Managing Trustee, Grahak Shakti, advises. As regards PCR, when the packets do not contain proper description and the address stated is incorrect or incomplete, there is ground for complaint.

Mr. Murlidharan has this to say: "Whenever a consumer comes across a trader who is violating the rule, he/she should immediately complain to the competent authority. Consumers should be aware that by complaining about such issues, they would not only help the system and put in place a mechanism but also help themselves. After the Department completes its course of action, consumers can still take this as evidence and go to the Consumer Forum to prove their charge on deficiency of service and claim damages."

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