Complaint Procedure

Complaint Procedure

How to File a Consumer Complaint?

1. Prepare a complaint including details such as:

• Name and address of the complainant and the seller/service provider.
• Facts related to the complaint and supporting documents.
• The relief sought.

2. Submit the complaint to the appropriate Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum:

• District Commission – for claims up to ₹1 crore.
• State Commission – for claims between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crores.
• National Commission – for claims above ₹10 crores.

3. Online Filing: Complaints can be filed electronically through the designated portal.

4. Payment of Fees: Complaints must be accompanied by a prescribed fee.

5. Hearing & Resolution: The forum will decide the complaint within 3 months (or 5 months if testing is required).

Remedies Under the Consumer Protection Act

The Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions (DCDRC, SCDRC, NCDRC) can issue the following orders:

• Replacement of goods
• Removal of defects
• Refund of purchase amount with interest
• Compensation for loss/injury due to negligence
• Discontinuation of unfair/restrictive trade practices
• Ban on selling hazardous goods
• Corrective advertising to prevent misleading ads

Appeals Process:

• District Commission → Appeal within 45 days to State Commission.
• State Commission → Appeal within 30 days to National Commission.
• National Commission → Appeal within 30 days to Supreme Court.