The ICFAI University Jharkhand organized a One Day Event – Voice of Consumers, focused on awareness of consumers on the Consumer Laws.  Justice Ramesh Kumar Merathia, Retd. Judge, Jharkhand High Court was the Chief Guest and other guests of Honor were J.P. Agarwal, Member, District Consumer Forum, Ranchi and Jayant Prasad, Member, Vidyut Upabhogta Shikay at Nivaran Forum, Ranchi.  

Earlier,  a Legal Awareness Campaign was conducted in respect of consumer rights and duties in an around Simalia village , situated nearby the university campus,  by the students of BBA-LLB and Para-Legal Volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi.

As a part of the event, a Moot Court Competition was conducted for the University students, who were asked to argue on identified consumer law cases. Judge for the competition was Justice Ramesh Kumar Merathia.

Welcoming the audience, Prof. ORS Rao, Vice Chancellor ICFAI University said, “In order to get quality goods and services, all consumers must know their rights, as enshrined in the Consumer Laws and also on how to redress their complaints legally. However, today, such awareness is very low among most of the consumers. Purpose of today’s event  is to enhance the  awareness of consumers ,particularly in Urban and Rural areas so that the entire society is benefited”.

Addressing the students, Justice Justice Ramesh Kumar Merathia explained the important provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 and stressed that this law is in addition to other laws,  for protecting the rights of the consumers. He also suggested some important amendments to the Act so that the law becomes more responsive and beneficial in dealing with the consumer disputes.

J.P. Agarwal highlighted the important provisions of proposed Consumer Protection Amendment Bill 2018. Jayant Prasad explained about the consumer protection mechanism under the Electricity Act and the role of Electricity Regulatory Commission and Electricity Ombudsman in this regard.

The Chief Guest distributed the prizes of recognition for the various events organized during the day. Ms Nisha Kumari Mishra, 1st Year BBA-LLB student was adjudged the best speaker in the Moot Court Competition.

The students, faculty members and employees of the University participated in the event. The program concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. B.M. Singh, Registrar of the University.