Consumer

Consumer complaints, deficiency in service and the consumer fora.

Questions advocates ask about Consumer

A consumer complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is a cheap, quick route against a seller or service provider. The forum depends on the value of what was paid, and the complaint must be filed within two years of the cause of action.

Who is a consumer, and what can they complain about?

A person who buys goods or hires or avails of a service for a consideration, excluding a person who obtains goods for resale or for a commercial purpose. A complaint can be made about a defect in goods, a deficiency in service, an unfair trade practice, overcharging, and the sale of hazardous goods or services. The Act also provides for product liability claims.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019, s. 2(7) and the definitions of "complaint", "defect" and "deficiency"

Which forum has jurisdiction?

It depends on the value of the goods or services paid as consideration. The District Commission hears complaints up to ₹50 lakh, the State Commission those above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore, and the National Commission those above ₹2 crore. A complaint can be filed where the opposite party resides or does business, or where the complainant resides or works for gain.

Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of the District Commission, the State Commission and the National Commission) Rules, 2021; Consumer Protection Act, 2019, ss. 34, 47, 58

What is the time limit for filing a complaint?

Two years from the date on which the cause of action arose. The Commission may admit a later complaint if the complainant shows sufficient cause for the delay, and records its reasons.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019, s. 69

Can a complaint be filed online, and is there a fee?

Yes. Complaints can be filed through the e-Daakhil portal. No fee is charged for a complaint where the consideration paid is up to ₹5 lakh, and a fee on a graded scale applies above that.

Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020

Prepared by The EduLaw Editorial Team on 2 November 2026. It has not yet been reviewed by a named advocate. Educational content, not legal advice; check the current text of each provision before relying on it.

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