A short guide to filing a consumer complaint in India. General legal information only.
Which commission?
The forum depends on the consideration paid for the goods or service: the District Commission up to ₹50 lakh, the State Commission from ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore, and the National Commission above ₹2 crore. The Supreme Court has asked the Union to explain anomalies in this rule, so check the current position.
Time limit
A complaint is ordinarily filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose. The Commission can condone delay for sufficient cause.
What can be a complaint?
- Deficiency in service, including banking, insurance and real estate services
- Defective goods
- Unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements
- Overcharging
Documents to keep
- Bill, invoice or receipt, and proof of payment
- Agreement, terms and conditions, brochure or advertisement
- All communications and complaints made to the seller or service provider
- Photographs or reports showing the defect or deficiency
Homebuyers
A buyer who chooses RERA for a dispute cannot later take the same dispute to a consumer commission, as reported from a recent Supreme Court ruling. Choose the forum with care. See real estate and RERA and the consumer litigation page.
How can Wise & Partners help?
The firm represents complainants and businesses before consumer commissions. No outcome can be promised.
Important disclaimer: This article is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create a lawyer-client relationship and is not an advertisement or solicitation under Bar Council of India rules. Verify current statutes, rules and judgments before relying on it.
