How to File a Complaint in Consumer Court in India - Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever been cheated by a seller or faced issues with a defective product or poor service? If yes, you can seek justice through the Consumer Court in India. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers Indian consumers to file complaints against unfair trade practices, faulty products, or deficient services.
Who Can File a Consumer Complaint?
- Any consumer who buys goods or avails services for personal use
- A registered consumer association
- Legal heirs or representatives of the consumer (in case of death)
- Central or State Government
Grounds for Filing a Complaint
You can file a complaint in the consumer court under the following circumstances:- Defective goods
- Deficiency in services
- Overcharging or deceptive pricing
- False or misleading advertisements
- Unfair or restrictive trade practices
- Non-issuance of bills or receipts
Levels of Consumer Courts in India
The consumer redressal system in India is structured in three levels:
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC): For claims up to ₹50 lakhs.
- State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): For claims between ₹50 lakhs and ₹2 crores.
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): For claims above ₹2 crores or appeals against state commission orders.
Step-by-Step Procedure to File a Complaint in Consumer Court
1. Try to Resolve the Issue First
Contact the seller or service provider via email, phone, or in writing to resolve the matter amicably. Maintain records of all communication.
2. Draft the Complaint
Prepare a formal complaint including the following:
- Your name and address
- Details of the product/service
- Invoice or proof of purchase
- Details of the seller/service provider
- Relief or compensation sought
3. Attach Supporting Documents
Include copies of the following:
- Purchase bills or receipts
- Emails, chat transcripts, or complaint letters
- Warranty cards or user manuals
- Any response received from the seller
4. Pay the Prescribed Fee
The fee depends on the value of the claim and must be paid via demand draft or online (in case of e-filing).
5. File the Complaint
You can file the complaint via two methods:
Offline Filing:
- Submit the complaint at the concerned District/State/National Commission office.
- Submit 3–5 copies along with documents and fee.
Time Limit to File a Consumer Complaint
You must file the complaint within 2 years from the date on which the cause of action arises. Delay may be condoned if justified with valid reasons.
Consumer Complaint Fee Structure (As per CPA 2019)
| Value of Goods/Service | Fee Payable |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 lakh | ₹200 |
| ₹5–10 lakh | ₹400 |
| ₹10–20 lakh | ₹1000 |
| ₹20–50 lakh | ₹2000 |
| ₹50 lakh–1 crore | ₹4000 |
| Above ₹1 crore | ₹5000 |
Relief Available to Consumers
The court may grant the following reliefs:
- Refund of amount paid
- Replacement or repair of defective goods
- Compensation for loss or harassment
- Stopping unfair practices
- Product recall orders
Tips for Successful Consumer Complaint
- Maintain proper documentation
- Act within the time limit
- Be specific and concise in your complaint
- Appear during hearings or respond timely online
- Use legal help if required, especially in high-value cases
Useful Links
Conclusion
Filing a complaint in consumer court is a right every Indian citizen must exercise to promote fair practices in the marketplace. With the introduction of online filing through the E-Daakhil portal, the process has become simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Don’t hesitate to seek justice—your voice can make a difference for other consumers as well!
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