HOW TO FILE CONSUMER COMPLAINT IN NCDRC

Step-by-step guide to filing a consumer complaint in NCDRC

PROCESS TO FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever faced a situation where a product you bought turned out to be effective or a service provider failed to deliver what was promised? As a consumer, you are protected under the Consumer Protection Act 2019. And you have the right to seek justice. By filing a consumer complaint. And it may sound complicated, but in reality, the process has become easier, thanks to online platforms and well-defined consumer courts.

HOW TO FILE CONSUMER COMPLAINT IN NCDRC

In this guide, we will explain how to file a consumer complaint in India step-by-step, the documents required, time limits, fees involved, and tips to ensure your case is strong. Whether you are filing against a retailer, manufacturer, or service provider, this article will serve as your complete handbook for consumer grievance redressal.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHT AS A CONSUMER

Before filing a consumer complaint, you must know your consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

1. Right to safety: Protection from hazardous goods/services.

2. Right to information: To know the details about product/service quality, quantity, price, and terms.

3. Right to Choose: Freedom to select products and services at competitive prices.

4. Right to be heard: Your grievance must be considered by consumer forums.

5. Right to seek redressal: compensation for unfair trade practices or defective goods.

6. Right to Consumer Education: Awareness about rights and responsibilities.

7. If any of your rights are violated, then you can file a consumer complaint.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT

Try to resolve the issue directly.

1. First, contact the seller, manufacturer, or service provider.

2. Keep records of bills invoices, warranty cards, and email/chat transcripts

3. Sometimes, the company may resolve the issue without legal involvement.

DRAFT A WRITTEN COMPLAINT

1. Write a clear description of the problem.

2. Mention when and where you purchase the product/service

3. Attached are supporting documents like the purchase bill and photograph of defects, warranty cards, and communication with the seller.

4. State the relief you seek—replacement, refund, compensation, or repair.

HOW TO FILE CONSUMER COMPLAINT IN NCDRC

DECIDE THE JURISDICTION OF YOUR COMPLAINT.

The Consumer Protection Act has created a three-tier redressal system.

1. District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (DCDRC):- for the disputed amount up to Rs50Lakhs

2. State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (SCDRC) for the disputed amount between Rs50 Lakhs to Rs2 Crore.

3. National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) for the disputed amount above Rs.2 Crore

File the complaint in the jurisdiction where the opposite party resides, conducts business, or where the cause of action arose.

FILE YOUR COMPLAINT (EASY METHOD)

India now allows consumer to file complaint through e-Jagriti Portal

1. Visit the official e-filing portal, e-jagriti.gov.in.

2. Registered with your mobile, email, and Aadhar details.

3. Upload the draft completed documents, supporting affidavit and supporting evidence and ID proof

4. Pay the required court fee only (before submit contact to the Commission).

5. And original complaint submit to the commission.

6. Track your case status digitally.

This online facility saves time and makes the process more transparent.

FILE COMPLAINT OFFLINE (TRADITIONAL METHOD)

If you prefer the office route:

1. Submit the complaint in duplicate copies along with an affidavit.

2. Attached all documents: bills, warranty card, correspondence, etc.

3. Pay the nominal court fee (varies depending on the claim amount)

4. File it at the relevant consumer commission office.

COURT FEES FOR THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DEPEND ON THE VALUE OF GOODS/SERVICES AND COMPENSATION CLAIMED.

1. Up to Rs 5 Lakhs -> Court fees Rs 200/-

2. Rs 5 Lakh to Rs 10 Lakh -> Court fees: Rs 400/-

3. Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 20 Lakh -> Court fees Rs 500/-

4. Rs 20 Lakh to Rs 50 Lakhs -> Court fees Rs 2,000/-

5. Above Rs 50 Lakh -> Court fees Rs 5,000/-

TIME LIMIT FOR FILING A COMPLAINT.

1. A consumer complaint within 2 years from the date of the cause of action.
2. Delays can be condoned only if a valid reason is provided in writing.

RELIEF YOU CAN CLAIM IN CONSUMER COURT

The Consumer Forum may order

1. Refund of purchase price.

2. Replacement of defective goods.

3. Repair of defective goods.

4. Compensation for loss/damages of products

5. Discontinuation of unfair trade practices.

6. Payment of litigation costs.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO FILE A COMPLAINT

1. Copy of bill/invoice/warranty card.

2. Letter of Notice,

3. All supporting communications (email, messages)

4. Photograph or video of the defective products/services

5. ID proof of the complainant

6. Complaint with affidavit.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Filing in the wrong jurisdictions

2. Not attaching sufficient documents

3. Making vague claims without specific compensation demand

4. Delay in filing the complaint

5. Not keeping copies of all submissions.

ALTERNATIVE GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL OPTIONS.

Apart from Consumer Court. You can also

1. Call the National Consumer Helpline Number

2. Use the Consumer Helpline website for registering a complaint.

3. Approach industry-specific regulators like TRAI (for telecom), IRDAI (for insurance), or RBI (for banking).

FAQs ABOUT FILING A CONSUMER COMPLAINT.

Q1. Do I need a lawyer to file a consumer complaint?

Ans. Not mandatory. You can represent yourself, but legal help may strengthen your case.

Q2. How long does Consumer Court take to resolve cases?

Ans. The Consumer Protection Act aims to resolve cases within 3 to 6 months, but delays may occur.

Q3. Can I file a complaint against e-commerce website ?

Ans. Online purchases from platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra fall under consumer law.

Q4. Is there any penalty for false complaints?

Ans. Filing a frivolous complaint may attract a penalty up Rs 10,000/-

CONCLUSION

Filing a consumer complaint is not just getting personal relief—it also helps create a fair marketplace where sellers and service providers cannot exploit customers. Thanks to E-Jagriti and the National Consumer Helpline, the process has become faster and more consumer-friendly.

So the next time you face defective goods, unfair trade, or poor service, remember that the law is on your side. Protect your rights, keep your bills safe, and file your complaint confidently.

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