Sunday, July 06, 2008

Consumer Protection Act_Practical Problem_2

I had got a confirmed ticket on Sahara Airways. The flight was later cancelled on account of technical snag. Is it a deficiency in service?
Cancellation of flight on account of technical snag is not deficiency in service as it is due to unavoidable circumstances. However, you ought to be allowed refund of the fare but no
compensation can be granted on account of any loss suffered by you (if any) because of the said cancellation.

Conuser Protection Act_Practical Problem_1

I had purchased seeds from a party. The seeds did not germinate. The other party took the plea that I was not a consumer. Whether purchase of seeds for the purpose of agriculture is purchase for commercial purpose?

Purchase made for agriculture is not for commercial purpose. Therefore, the complainant is a consumer and entitled to seek redressal of his grievance in a Consumer Court against the party
which supplied defective seed to him.

Medical practitioner can be sued under CPA ?

I have instituted a complaint before the Consumer Court against a Medical Practitioner. My complaint has been challenge on the ground that a Medical Practitioner cannot be sued under the Consumer Act. What does law provide?


Yes, a medical practitioner can be sued under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 for his or her professional negligence resulting in damage to patient. Section 2 (d) in defining a consumer in Clause (ii) uses the expression ‘hires and avails of”. The word “hire” means employ of wages or fees”.

Secondly the words “any service” in s. 2 (d) (ii) in Consumer Protection Act. A eloquent to bring the delinquent medical practitioners within the ambit of Consumer Protection Act. Thirdly, s. 2 (o), Consumer Protection Act which defines service exempts only two types of services, one “service free of charge” and another “contract of personal service” postulates a relationship of master and servant. A medical man whose service is requisitioned for a patient answers the clause “ contract of service” but never “a contract of personal service”. So, a negligent medical professional can be proceeded under the Consumer Protection Act 1986.