Protect consumers rights—Chief Justice urges judges
Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda says consumers are buying commodities at higher prices because of the absence of consumer law which compels traders to sell quality goods at fair prices.
He has since asked judges to be in the forefront interpreting laws aimed at encouraging competitive processes to protect consumers’ welfare.
Speaking on Thursday at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi when Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) held a second meeting for judges aimed at interpreting consumer laws, Nyirenda said the absence of the law gives room to traders to sell goods at exorbitant prices.
“Many consumers are not aware of their rights when it comes to buying. They are susceptible to buying low quality goods and at higher prices,” he said.
Nyirenda said engagement of judges by CFTC to help in interpreting laws is critical as it would help consumers understand their rights to demand quality services.
CFTC executive director Charlotte Malonda said judges play a critical role in promoting competition and rights of consumers because they interpret the law.
“To avoid coming up with discordant decisions, we engage experts to help us come up with decisions that are in line with proper interpretation of the law,” she said. n
This is another arm of the government that just plunders our public resources for work done. I don’t know why we proscribed the traditional court which was more effective. What was required to remove political aspect and leave it do a noble job than these ill-equipped Chilunga cabbage.