The Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice A.R. Dave released a book "Consumer is King, Know Your Rights & Remedies" written by Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao, Member of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission here in Hyderabad on Friday in a function. The book published in Telugu and Urdu languages are released along with the relaunch of English book.

Justice M. Jagannadha Rao, Former Supreme Court Judge and Former Chairman of Law Commission launched Telugu book, Justice A.R. Dave re- launched English book and Hon’ble Justice M.B. Shah, Former Judge of Supreme Court of India & Former President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission released Urdu book.

Speaking immediately after the launch of the book Justic A.R. Dave, The Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court said we were taught that Consumer decides what to be manufactured, what should be the market rate of the product and how should be the supply system etc. But, poor consumere can’t do anything . He can’t fight the mighty and big shot manufacturer. He is cheated everywhere. Thank god now we have got consumer act. The book i released now is the Mini Bhagwat Gita. If you can read you can really be an advocate on your own. The book is written in simple and lucid language, so that every one can understand and start practicing the law. Thankfully now the book is also now available in Telugu and Urdu. And he urged the author to bring out a Hindi book as well. So that every Indian can understand what are his rights as consumer and how to redress his problems. In response to his call Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao informed that the Hindi book will be released next month.

Addressing after releasing the Telugu book Justice M. Jagannadha Rao appreciated the author for her efforts and wished her good service and more publications.

English book was earlier released in Delhi by Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Chief Justice of India. The English and Urdu version of the book is published in association with Universal Law Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd and the Telugu version is published by Alaknanda Prachuranalu.

The release function was presided over by Justice M. Jagannadha Rao. Hon’ble Justice Sardar Ali Khan, Former High Court Judges & Former Chairman of Minorities Commission and Hon’ble Justice D. Appa Rao, Former High Court Judge and President of A.P State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission also addressed the gathering and graced the function. The book release function was attneded by whose who of the city.

Inspired by the great American Consumer Rights and the works of political activist in America Ralph Nader, the best known consumer advocate of the 20th Century, the author got attracted to this profession. The author was impressed by his tireless efforts to increase the accountability of carmakers to the people and to improve the quality of life for Americans in areas as diverse as environment, health care, insurance, pension and disability rights. She imbibed the philosophy that big business should treat customers fairly, that citizens should be protected by the Government and generally buffered from the excesses of organized institutions of all kinds.

We all are consumers in our day to day life and to deal with many companies and use their services. Many a times consumers become objects of exploitation. The helpless consumers suffer in silence and don’t know what to do. Acquisition of knowledge is an essential for a better quality of life. Consumer education is one of the basic rights of the little man -- consumer, enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. For imparting such ‘consumer education’, exposition of law in simple and lucid language is very much required. Consumer is King is the book aimed at this. The book covers various decisions rendered by the Apex Court and the National Commission which includes matters on education, insurance, medical deficiency, railways, electricity, banking, airlines, housing, unfair trade practices etc.

Consumer is King is a must-read for everyone of us so that we are aware of our rights and remedies. This book is different as put by its author Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao from a conventional law books or a law reporter, in the sense that in addition to presenting some selected cases representing the board sweep of the Consumer Court’s Jurisdiction, it also reveals the author’s conviction and personality which she brought to bear on the working of the National Commission.

The English book is priced at Rs 295/- and Telugu book Rs 200/-. The book will be available in all leading books shops across india.

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The author of the book "Consumer is King" Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Rao, Member of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission hails from Andhra Pradesh. She did her post graduation in Advertising from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, USA. She has the unique distinction of being the only person who has worked in all three tiers of Consumer Protection - as a member of the District Forum, State Commission and presently the National Commission. With 17 years of experience, it is the longest stint served by anyone, which gives her the ideal insight for the common man.