Q.Discuss the duties and responsibilities of a consumer.

A consumer's rights work properly only when paired with certain responsibilities the buyer is expected to exercise for their own protection and for a fairer market overall.

A consumer's duties and responsibilities are the practices a buyer is expected to follow so that their legal rights actually function in practice and the market remains fair for everyone. Unlike rights, these responsibilities are not backed by legal penalties, but neglecting them weakens a consumer's own protection.

Major consumer responsibilities:

1. Being a cautious and alert buyer — comparing quality, price, and terms across sellers instead of buying the first product offered.
2. Checking quality and certification marks such as the ISI mark, Agmark, Hallmark, or FPO mark before purchase.
3. Insisting on a cash memo or bill for every purchase, since it is the key proof needed for any future complaint.
4. Reading labels and instructions carefully, checking manufacturing date, expiry date, price (MRP), and net quantity.
5. Filing only genuine complaints, based on real defects or deficiencies, never exaggerated or false claims.
6. Being aware of one's own rights, since a consumer who does not know the six rights cannot exercise them.
7. Exercising the right to choose wisely, by comparing alternatives rather than buying on impulse.
8. Avoiding false claims and unrealistic schemes, such as guaranteed high returns or miracle products.
9. Asserting rights firmly but fairly, without using threats or misinformation against a seller.

When consumers follow these responsibilities consistently, disputes reduce in number, genuine complaints are resolved faster because proper proof already exists, and the overall market becomes more disciplined because sellers know buyers are alert and informed.

Students often write only two or three responsibilities when a full discussion is expected, or repeat the six rights instead of listing actual duties. Responsibilities are actions the consumer must personally take, not entitlements they receive.