India has historically maintained excellent relationships between traders and consumers.
However, there are times when sellers commit fraud against their buyers.
Something similar happened to me just a few months ago; you might have faced this situation as well.
That is why, as consumers, we need to know what steps to take if a company commits fraud regarding a product.
What is Consumer Court Complaint
Before filing any complaint, it is crucial to understand what it entails, how the process works, and what the outcome will be.
Simply put, the Consumer Court allows you to file a complaint against a company, seller, or shopkeeper under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
You might be wondering, “Why should I file a complaint?”
You can take this step if a company sells you a defective product, provides poor service, or behaves inappropriately, and fails to offer compensation.
Step 1: Register a Complaint With National Consumer Helpline
Hearing the term “Consumer Court complaint” might make you think you have to physically visit a court, but that is not the case.
As an aggrieved consumer, you don’t need to go anywhere; you can simply visit the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) website on your phone from the comfort of your home.
This is a government portal where you can file complaints online.
Filing a complaint on the NCH can be extremely helpful, enabling you to secure refunds, replacements, or resolutions without ever having to go to court.
Step 2: Create a Strong Evidence Folder
To file any complaint, you must have strong evidence or proof.
You simply need to have the documents and evidence listed in this table ready:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Invoice/Bill | Purchase proof |
| Payment Proof | Transaction proof |
| Warranty Card | Warranty details |
| Emails & Chats | Communication record |
| Photos & Videos | Defect evidence |
| Complaint Number | Previous complaint proof |
You can Check this blog for more details.
Step 3: Calculate Your Actual Loss
Many consumers simply ask for a refund.
I believe it is better to make a demand that takes into account the full impact of the issue regarding the product—such as:
- Product cost
- Repair expenses
- Delivery charges
- Financial loss
- Compensation for mental harassment
- Litigation expenses
Including these elements helps build a strong claim, which will support the resolution of the problem you are facing.
Step 4: File Online Complaint through e-Jagriti
As I always tell you, use only government websites for any kind of complaint.
Nowadays, all consumer court complaints are filed through e-Jagriti.
You can visit the official e-Jagriti portal by clicking this link:
Generally, you just need to follow this process:
1) Creating an account on e-Jagriti
First, visit the e-Jagriti portal; the interface will look something like this:
Once on the website, log in using your Gmail account or phone number.
If you are filing a complaint for the first time, click on “Register” and provide the required details to complete the registration process.
To register, enter your full name, email address, and password on the first page. [Password: (Your Name)@145]
Select “Consumer” in the role section.
On the second page, you will need to enter address details, such as:
- Address Type (Make Domicile Certificate)
- House No.
- Block
- Locality
- Pin Code
- State district
- Post Office
- Police station
On the third page, you will see a list of various documents.
You need to select one of these listed documents and upload it.
After completing this step, simply submit the details.
Now, all you have to do is enter your email or phone number and the password you set, complete the reCAPTCHA, and log in.
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2) Select Complaint
After logging in, you will arrive at the e-Jagriti home page, where you will see an option labeled ‘File New Case’ on the side.
Next, select ‘Consumer Complaint’ as the case type, then choose ‘Normal filing’ and submit.
After submitting, you will be directed to a page with an interface that looks something like this.
3) Entering complaint details
After submitting, you will need to provide information related to your complaint.
On the first page, you will have to fill in case details, such as:
- Paid as Consideration
- Claim Consideration
- Date of cause of action
- State of case of action
- Case Category
- Sub Category
4) Filling Complaint Against Opposition
On this page, you need to fill in all the necessary details in the first section.
In the second section, you must enter the details of your advocate, if you have hired one.
Then, in the third section, you need to provide the details of the opposing party.
After this, you will arrive at the third page, which you can skip by selecting the ‘deny’ option.
5) Uploading documents
After skipping page 3, you will arrive at page 4, where you need to submit all the necessary documents.
You only need to upload the documents I mentioned earlier.
If you wish, you can also upload your Aadhaar Card under additional documents.
Note: Ensure that all documents are clear and verified.
6) Final Submission
After filling in all these documents, simply click on ‘Submit’.
Once submitted, you will see a PDF displaying all the details and information you have entered.
If any information is incorrect, you can rectify it right away by clicking on ‘Edit’.
After thoroughly reviewing the complaint PDF, click on ‘Final Submit’.
Next, select ‘Yes’.
After clicking ‘Yes’, a ‘Final Submission Details’ message will appear, displaying your case number.
You can download the case details by clicking ‘Print’, and then complete the submission by clicking ‘Continue’.
Step 5: Attend Hearings Digitally When Allowed
People say that having to make repeated trips for hearings causes them significant inconvenience.
Nowadays, many procedures are managed digitally or online, which saves both time and travel costs. (Apply for Driving licence Free)
Always keep:
- Complaint number
- Hearing dates
- Uploaded documents
- Written submissions
Legal Notice Format and Process just explain in 5 min reading- Here
What are the 7 rights of a consumer?
As a consumer in India, you are granted seven basic consumer rights under the Indian Constitution.
These rights are crucial for a consumer’s life, as, without them, a consumer cannot take legal action:
- Right to Safety— This means every consumer has the right to be protected against hazardous goods and services, as per Article 21 (Right to Life).
- Right to Information— Under Article 19(1)(a), all consumers have the right to know details about the products they purchase.
- Right to Choose—Since the market offers a wide variety of products, you have the right to choose from among them.
- Right to Be Heard— You have the constitutional right to voice your complaints and concerns.
- Right to Seek Redressal— This right enables you to claim compensation against unfair practices or product defects.
- Right to Consumer Education— Access to knowledge regarding consumer rights and responsibilities.
- Right to a Healthy Environment— According to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, being provided with a healthy environment—alongside the product itself—is also a basic consumer right.
Most Important FAQs of Consumer Complaints
1. How much does it cost to file a case in Consumer Court in India?
Consumer Court filing fees range from ₹0 to ₹7,500, depending on the claim amount and commission level.
2. What complaints can be filed in Consumer Court?
Complaints regarding defective products, poor services, overcharging, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices can be filed.
3. Is it worth going to consumer court?
Yes, consumer courts can provide refunds, replacements, compensation, and protection against unfair business practices.
4. What is the time limit for consumer court?
A consumer complaint should generally be filed within two years from the date the issue arose.
5. What to do if a company is ignoring you?
Keep records, send written reminders, contact NCH, and file a consumer complaint if unresolved.
6. Where is the best place to complain about a company?
Start with the National Consumer Helpline, then file a complaint through the e-Jagriti portal if needed.
Expected Outcomes after File Consumer Court Complaint
If you have filed a consumer complaint online by following the method I suggested, there is a 99.9% chance you will get your money back along with compensation.
Sometimes, the outcome also depends on the specifics of your case, such as:
- Refund of money
- Product replacement
- Repair of goods
- Compensation for loss
- Removal of unfair charges
- Correction of deficient services
Conclusion
As a consumer in India, you have the constitutional right to take action.
If you wish, you can file an online complaint to recover your money from the company.
By following the method mentioned above, you can save both time and money.
If you still face any issues, please let me know in the comments; I will do my best to help you.
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