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Though some of the cases have been repeated, yet they dont bore you because these are the success stories that could well have been your own stories. Only if you had chosen to take your day to day fights to a logical conclusion. Of course, one wishes that more of the pending cases were also carried. That would have put into perspective the fact that for every case won, there are ten others that have been dragging on for years, which would also partly and indirectly explain why wronged consumers are wary of being doubly wronged by also having to take on the slow system in addition to all powerful goods manufacturers or service providers.
The book is not only for the uninitiated, but also for the informed. Some hitherto scarce nuggets of useful information are scattered here and there. For example, its common perception that only private medical care is covered under the Consumer Protection Act. But the author has quoted a case where even a government healthcare facility has been taken to court on the plea that the complainant is a taxpayer. The case is still pending, though. In any case, highlights the author, doctors can be charged under torts or Fatal Accident Act. Similarly, the book also deals in detail with the right to fresh air and clean water.
Despite an inherent dryness of the subject, the book is not without little bits of humour like when Pradeep S Mehta pointing out, while talking about financial services, that Harshad Mehta is not a relative of his.
Though its a useful book, it could have done well to have a detailed index for the consumer to look up a case similar to that of his to inspire him to fight back. And a detailed list of statewise consumer organisations would have come handy. May be the next edition would.
How To Survive As A Consumer by Pradeep S Mehta; CUTS; Rs 100; Pp 306