India, Feb. 23 -- By Ashvini Ranjan

The principle of buyer beware appears sensible at first glance. It encourages alertness, personal responsibility and common sense. Yet, when applied to everyday life, it raises a serious question. Is every citizen truly informed and capable of protecting himself from being misled or exploited? If not, where does responsibility actually lie?

In daily life, most people purchase goods and services in good faith. Only after using it does the defect become apparent. The loss is not merely monetary. It brings disappointment, unhappiness and a feeling of having been cheated.

The same concern applies even more strongly to services. One of the most basic services a State provides is safety and security. When ...