Filing a Complaint Before the Consumer Protection Commissions: A Step-by-Step Guide

This article is general information only, not legal advice, and not solicitation of work. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice on your specific facts.

Which Commission Has Jurisdiction

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, complaints are filed before the District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission depending on the value of the goods or services and compensation claimed, with district commissions handling claims up to one crore rupees, state commissions between one and ten crore rupees, and the national commission above that.

What Counts as a Valid Consumer Complaint

A complaint can be filed for a defect in goods, deficiency in service, unfair trade practice, or overcharging, provided the complainant qualifies as a consumer, meaning they bought the goods or availed the service for consideration and not for a purely commercial resale purpose.

Filing and Limitation

A complaint must ordinarily be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose, though a delay can be condoned if sufficiently explained. Complaints can be filed in person, through an advocate, or electronically through the government’s e-daakhil portal, and generally require the complaint itself, supporting documents such as invoices and correspondence, and the prescribed fee.

What the Commission Can Order

Relief available includes replacement or repair of defective goods, refund of amounts paid, compensation for loss or injury suffered, and, where the trader’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages. Commissions also have the power to order removal of a defect or deficiency and to award litigation costs to the successful party.

This note is prepared by our Regulatory team. If you are dealing with a related situation, get in touch with us.