A shopkeeper sells a cooking oil packet without a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on it. Why is this a problem for consumers? How does the mandatory printing of MRP on packaged goods protect the interests of consumers in general?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:27 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Without MRP printed on the packet, the consumer has no way of knowing the correct price of the product. The shopkeeper can charge any price arbitrarily, leading to exploitation of the consumer.
How MRP protects consumers:
- MRP is the maximum price a seller is legally allowed to charge; selling above MRP is an offence.
- Consumers can compare prices and even bargain with the seller to purchase at less than MRP.
- It prevents overcharging and ensures price transparency across all shops.
- If a shopkeeper charges more than the printed MRP, the consumer can protest and file a complaint.
Thus, mandatory MRP printing upholds the consumer's right to information and protects against unfair trade practices.
Source: Chapter 5 — Consumer Rights, "Information about Goods and Services"
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Explanation
- The question has two parts — address both: the problem caused by absence of MRP, and how printed MRP protects consumers.
- Examiners expect you to use the term "right to information" as it is a key consumer right from COPRA.
- The textbook explicitly states consumers can bargain to pay less than MRP — include this as it is a direct textbook point and often tested.
- Keep points crisp; for 3 marks, 3 distinct points (one for the problem + two for protection) is ideal.