The law already gives you more power than you think
You don't need special documents or secret wording to protect yourself. Indian law gives every person real rights you can use today. Here are three worth knowing.
1. Your rights as a consumer
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 protects you against defective goods, poor services, unfair trade practices and misleading advertising.
- Start in writing. Complain to the seller or service provider and keep bills, messages and screenshots.
- Get guidance. The National Consumer Helpline can help you resolve complaints: call 1915.
- Escalate if needed. You can file a consumer complaint online through the e-Daakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in).
2. Your right to information
The Right to Information Act, 2005 lets you ask public authorities for information about how decisions are made and how public money is spent.
- Address your request to the Public Information Officer of the office concerned.
- Central government ministries and departments accept applications online at rtionline.gov.in. Many states run their own portals.
- The fee for central government applications is ₹10. Applicants below the poverty line do not pay a fee.
- A reply is normally due within 30 days, or 48 hours where life or liberty is involved.
3. Your rights over your personal data
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 sets rules for how organisations collect and use your personal data. It gives you the right to:
- know what personal data is held about you and why,
- have it corrected, completed or erased,
- have your complaint heard, first by the organisation and then by the Data Protection Board of India.
Free legal help
Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, many people, including women, children, people with disabilities and those on low incomes, are entitled to free legal aid. Contact your District Legal Services Authority, or call the NALSA helpline on 15100.