Table Of Contents

• Who Can File a Complaint in Consumer Court?
• Step-by-Step Process to Apply in Consumer Court
  1. Determine the Jurisdiction
  2. Draft the Consumer Complaint
  3. Send a Legal Notice
  4. File the Complaint in the Appropriate Forum
  5. Pay the Prescribed Fees
  6. Appear for Hearings
• Documents Required to File a Complaint
• Timeline for Resolution
• Conclusion

Consumer courts in India provide a platform for individuals to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, defective products, and deficiency in services. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 empowers consumers to file complaints against businesses, service providers, and sellers. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply in consumer court and seek justice.

Who Can File a Complaint in Consumer Court?

A consumer complaint can be filed by:

• An individual consumer
• A group of consumers with a common grievance
• A registered consumer association
• The central or state government

Step-by-Step Process to Apply in Consumer Court

1. Determine the Jurisdiction

Consumer complaints can be filed at different levels based on the monetary value of the claim:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC): For claims up to Rs. 1 crore.
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): For claims between Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 10 crores.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): For claims above Rs. 10 crores.

2. Draft the Consumer Complaint

A well-structured complaint should include:

• Name, address, and contact details of the complainant and opposite party.
• Detailed description of the issue, including facts, date of purchase, and grievance.
• Copies of supporting documents (bills, receipts, emails, warranty papers, etc.).
• Compensation or relief sought by the complainant.
• Signature of the complainant.

3. Send a Legal Notice

Before filing a complaint, it is advisable to send a legal notice to the opposite party, requesting resolution within a specified time (usually 15-30 days). If the issue remains unresolved, the complainant can proceed with filing a case.

4. File the Complaint in the Appropriate Forum

The complaint can be filed:

• Physically: Submit the complaint in person at the consumer court office.
• Online: Through the e-Daakhil portal (https://edaakhil.nic.in), which allows for online submission of complaints.

5. Pay the Prescribed Fees

A nominal court fee must be paid based on the claim amount. The fee structure varies for different levels of consumer courts.

6. Appear for Hearings

Once the complaint is accepted, both parties are given an opportunity to present their arguments and evidence. The consumer court examines the case and delivers a verdict accordingly.

Documents Required to File a Complaint

• Complaint application
• Copy of legal notice sent to the opposite party
• Purchase bills, receipts, and agreements
• Communication records (emails, chat messages, etc.)
• Affidavit supporting the complaint

Timeline for Resolution

Consumer courts are required to resolve complaints within 3 to 5 months for simple cases and up to 6 months for complex cases requiring detailed investigations.

Conclusion

Filing a complaint in consumer court is a straightforward process that empowers consumers to fight against fraud and unfair practices. By following the correct procedure and providing proper documentation, consumers can seek justice and compensation effectively.