BharatNotes Redressal
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
A robust grievance redressal mechanism — anchored in statutory time-limits and independent appellate authorities — is indispensable if citizen-centric governance is to move beyond rhetoric to a tangible guarantee of accountability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
redress (v/n), redressed (adj), redresser (n), redressable (adj)
Root
Old French redrecier = to set right again; re- = again + drecier = to set straight, from Latin dīrectus = straight
Etymology
From Middle English redressen, from Old French redrecier ("to set right again"), from re- ("again") + drecier ("to set straight"), from Vulgar Latin directiāre, from Latin dīrectus ("straight, direct").
Memory Hook
RE-DRESS-AL: to "re-dress" a wound — to set a wrong "straight" again (Latin directus = straight), i.e. to put things right.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
The process of obtaining a remedy for a consumer grievance. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 retains a three-tier machinery of District, State and National Commissions, but changed the basis of pecuniary jurisdiction from the compensation claimed to the value of the consideration paid, which stopped complainants from inflating claims to reach a higher forum. Under the Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction) Rules, 2021, notified on 31-Dec-2021, the District Commission hears complaints up to 50 lakh rupees, the State Commission above 50 lakh and up to 2 crore, and the National Commission above 2 crore. The 2019 Act also added a preventive arm, since the Central Consumer Protection Authority can act on its own motion against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements without waiting for a complaint.
Don’t Confuse It With
Redressal is remedial and complaint-driven, setting right a wrong already done. Regulation is the preventive arm that sets rules in advance, which is the Central Consumer Protection Authority's role. Compensation is only one form of redress, alongside refund, replacement and an order discontinuing an unfair practice. An appeal challenges an order before a higher Commission and is distinct from an original complaint. Note also that redressal is Indian English usage, while British and American writing prefer redress as the noun.
Hindi Meaning
निवारण (nivāran); शिकायत निवारण for grievance redressal.
Common Questions
- What are the pecuniary limits of the consumer commissions?
- Under the 2021 Rules, the District Commission hears complaints where the consideration paid is up to 50 lakh rupees, the State Commission above 50 lakh up to 2 crore, and the National Commission above 2 crore.
- What is the difference between redressal and regulation in consumer law?
- Redressal remedies a wrong after a consumer complains, while regulation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority acts in advance and on its own motion to prevent unfair practices.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2023 — Constitutional Bodies
- Mains 2019 · GS2 · 10 marks — Governance
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Redressal” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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