HOW TO FILE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

HOW TO FILE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

Dear Consumers,

In this article, I will provide you with details about the filing process of the consumer complaint before the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (DCDRC), State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (SCDRC) and National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. And this article will cover all the important aspects related to filing a case before the National Commission, which include.

• what is the consumer dispute
• what to do when the opposite party has cheated or there is a deficiency in service
• case-related insurance company, builder e-commerces website and bank
• Jurisdiction of the National Commission
• Address and location of the National Commission
• Common day-to-day problems which are faced by the consumer during the filing of the complaint.  which include the online and offline filing the complaint
• Consumers should remember while filing the consumer complaint before the Commission.
• How to visit the NCDRC

what is the consumer dispute 

The consumer dispute arises when the consumer faces a deficiency in service, defective goods, unfair trade practices, unfair conduct by the service provider or seller and overcharging. It generally occurred when the right of the consumer was violated and the seller, service provider and company failed to resolve the issue of the consumer despite notice or complaint. Further, the consumer dispute is related to the insurance, banking, e-commerce, housing, healthcare, and other services or products which were purchased for the consideration. These disputes can be legally addressed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

what to do when the opposite party has cheated or there is a deficiency in service

If the company, service provider and seller cheated or did not give the proper service to the consumer, then the consumer should follow these steps.

The consumer firstly complained to the company.

• Contact the company through letter, email, or chatbox if available and explain your problem clearly, and keep proof like bills, emails, messages, or receipts.
• Wait for the reasonable time (usually 15 to 30 days from the complaint) and see if they solve your problem or not.
• If the issue is still not solved by the company/service provider/seller, you can file the complaint before the Consumer Commission. below 50 lakhs, the consumer before the District Consumer; above of Rs 50 Lakhs to 2 crores, the complaint was filed before the State Commission SCDRC, If the dispute amount is more than 2 crores, then the consumer can file the complaint before the National Commission.
• Consume Coan filed the complaint online along with offline by visiting the consumer commission.
• Attach all bills, receipts, emails, screenshots and any other proof to support your case.
• After filing the complaint, the commission will give the date to the consumer for the admission hearing. The consumer can appear themselves or through the lawyer.

case-related insurance company, builder e-commerces website and bank

Consumers can file the complaint if the insurance company rejected their claim. 

• The insurance claim is rejected by the insurance company without proper reasons.
• The claim amount is delayed by the insurance company for a long time.
• The insurance company was given the wrong policy details for the consumer.
• The insurance company does not reply to your complaint.

Example: If the health insurance company refuses to pay hospital bill without valid reason,

Consumers can file the complaint if the builder/real estate rejected their claim.

• The flat or house is not given by the builder/real estate on time.
• if the builder changes the plan without the permission
• if the builder uses the poor-quality material for construction.
• if no possession even after full payment.

 Example: The builder promises possession in 2 years but delays for 4-5 years. 

Consumers can file the complaint if the e-commerce website rejected their claim.

• if an e-commerce website provides the wrong or damaged product.
• The refund amount is not given after the return.
• A fake or duplicate product is sold by the e-commerce website.
• The order is cancelled, but the money is not returned by the e-commerce website.

For example, a consumer ordered a phone online but received a fake or damaged one. 

Consumers can file the complaint if the bank rejected their claim.

Consumer can file the complaint case against the bank if

• Wrong charges are deducted by the bank.
• Loan or credit card issue without the consumer’s permission and money deducted from the bank account.
• ATM money deducted but not received by the bank after complaint instantly
• The account problem not solve after given proper letter to the bank
•  poor customer service given by the bank

Example: The bank deducts EMI twice or does not reverse the failed transaction amount. 

Jurisdiction of the National Commission

• Jurisdiction of the Consumer Commission (DCDRC), for the cases where the amount of dispute is up to Rs50 Lakhs
• Jurisdiction of the State Commission (SCDRC) for the cases where the disputed amount is more than Rs 50 lakh and up to Rs 2 crore.
• Jurisdiction of the National Commission (NCDRC) for the cases where the disputed amount is more than Rs 2 crore.

Note:- Important point – Jurisdiction depends on how much money is paid by the consumer, not on how much compensation you are asking for. 

Common day-to-day problems which are faced by the consumer during the filing of the complaint.  which include the online through e-jagriti.gov.in and offline filing the complaint

Online Filing Problems

• website is not working properly
• login or OTP issues
• Difficulty when uploading the documents
• file size or format problems
• payment failure during the payment submission.

Offline (Physical) filing problems

• long waiting time while physically filing.
• confusion about the required documents
• wrong format of the complaint.
• missing photocopy of the documents
• Multiple visits required.

A common issue in both online and offline.  

• Lack of proper guidance
•  Not knowing the correct jurisdiction.

Consumers should remember while filing the consumer complaint before the Commission.

• Keep all bills, receipts and proof of complaint through email, notice, or chatbox
• Check your correct jurisdiction before filing as per your disputed amount which was paid by the consumer.
• Write a complaint to the concerned company, seller, bank, and builder in simple and clear language.
• Attached are all the required documents properly with the complaint.
• Double-check the details before final submission.
• For online filing, consumers should ensure a good internet connection.
• Keep a copy of the complaint and receipt.
• File the complaint before the commission within the time limit.

Address of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, where consumers can easily visit and contact.

• National consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC)
• Uphokta Bhawan,
• F-Block, GPO, Complex
• INA, New Delhi 110023.
• (Located at New Delhi, Near INA Metro Station, and well connected by the Metro, bus, and taxi)

Tips for the visitor: 

• carry your case documents and ID proof
• reach early in the morning for filing or hearing the case
• Entry is allowed on working days from Monday to Friday, but on Saturday it is open only for internal work, not public dealing, and Sunday is off.

For more details visit the Home Page. Click Here 

Disclaimer

The content on e-jagriti.com is for general legal awareness and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with the qualified legal professional advocate/lawyer before taking any action. e-jagriti.com is not responsible for any loss arising from the use of this information.