How to File a Consumer Complaint in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you bought a defective product or received poor service? Don't worry – Indian law protects you as a consumer. Here's how you can file a complaint and get justice.

Who Can File a Consumer Complaint?

Anyone who has purchased goods or services for personal use can file a complaint. This includes:

• Buyers of defective products

• People who received poor quality services

• Victims of misleading advertisements

• Those charged unfair prices

Where to File Your Complaint?

Depending on the value of your complaint, you can file at three levels:

1. District Consumer Forum – For complaints up to ₹1 crore

2. State Consumer Commission – For complaints between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crores

3. National Consumer Commission – For complaints above ₹10 crores

Documents You Need:

• Receipt or bill of purchase

• Warranty or guarantee card (if any)

• Photos of defective product

• Any communication with the seller/service provider

• Your identity proof and address proof

How to File the Complaint:

Step 1: Write a simple complaint letter mentioning:

• Your name and address

• Details of the seller/service provider

• What product/service you bought

• What problem you faced

• What relief you want (refund, replacement, compensation)

Step 2: Attach all supporting documents

Step 3: File online through the e-Daakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in) or visit the consumer forum office

Step 4: Pay the nominal court fee (usually between ₹100-₹5,000 depending on claim value)

What Happens Next?

• The forum will issue a notice to the opposite party

• Both sides present their case

• The forum gives its decision within 90-150 days

• You can get refund, replacement, or compensation

Important Points to Remember:

• File your complaint within 2 years of the problem

• Keep all bills and receipts safe

• Take photos/videos of defects as proof

• Try to resolve the issue with the seller first

Common Cases You Can File:

• Mobile phone not working properly

• Hotel served contaminated food

• Builder delayed flat delivery

• Bank charged wrong fees

• Online shopping sent wrong product

• Hospital provided negligent treatment

Your rights as a consumer are strong in India. Don't hesitate to use them. The process is simple, affordable, and designed to help ordinary people get justice quickly.