The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The 'Right to Choice' is a fundamental consumer right (enshrined in the Consumer Protection Act) which assures the consumer access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices. It guarantees the autonomy of the consumer to select products or services based on their specific needs and preferences.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Right to Choice applies to both goods and services. It covers tangible products as well as services like telecommunications, electricity, and education.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Educational institutions are service providers. According to consumer protection interpretations, a student has the right to choose whether to continue a service. Forcing a student to pay for the full duration after they opt out, or denying a refund for the unutilized period, is considered a violation of the Right to Choice and an unfair trade practice.
- Statement 3 is Correct: This right protects consumers from tied selling or forced bundling, where a seller compels a buyer to purchase an unwanted add-on (e.g., accessories or insurance) as a condition to buy the main product. Such practices restrict the consumer's freedom to choose only what they require.
Key Takeaway:
The Right to Choice empowers consumers to select or reject both goods and services freely, protecting them from coercive sales tactics like forced bundling or the denial of exit from a service contract.