Where do I file a consumer complaint?

CPA 2019 sets pecuniary jurisdiction by claim value: ≤ ₹50 lakh → District Commission (§34), ₹50L–₹2cr → State Commission (§47), > ₹2cr → NCDRC (§58). Our tool auto-picks the right forum.

What is the limitation period?

Two years from the cause of action under §69 of CPA 2019. The Commission can condone delay if sufficient cause is shown.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. CPA 2019 explicitly allows self-representation. But for class actions, large-quantum medical-negligence, or permanent-injury cases, consult a consumer-law advocate.

Consumer rights — a damaged smartphone next to a wooden gavel on a marble surface, evoking consumer protection and fair redressal

Document Generator

Consumer Complaint Pack — Consumer Protection Act 2019

Defective product? Service failure? Misleading ad? Refund denied? File a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 and recover your money + compensation. Pick a category, get a print-ready bilingual draft, and file on e-Daakhil for free.

Print-ready Bilingual EN + HI Generated in your browser Jurisdiction picker built-in

1. Choose your complaint category

2. Fill the details

Your full name (complainant)

Phone

Your full postal address

Opposite party — company / seller / service provider

Their phone or customer-care number (optional)

Their registered / branch address

Date of purchase / service

Invoice / order / booking number

Amount paid (₹)

Compensation sought (₹) — pain, time, loss

What happened? (clear, dated facts — what you bought / paid for, what went wrong, when you complained)

Steps already taken (calls, emails, customer-care complaint numbers, replies received)

Relief sought (what you want — refund, replacement, compensation, apology, repair)

Place

Date

Recommended forum

Pecuniary jurisdiction (CPA 2019 §34, 47, 58 as amended 2021): District ≤ ₹50 lakh, State ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore, National > ₹2 crore. Always pick by total of value of goods/services + compensation claimed.

3. Your draft consumer complaint

The draft is generated entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.

Where to file

e-Daakhil — file online for free

Official NCDRC portal. File at District, State, or National Commission. Filing fee waived for claims ≤ ₹5 lakh.

edaakhil.nic.in

National Consumer Helpline — 1915

Free pre-litigation mediation. Many companies settle here before you ever file.

consumerhelpline.gov.in

In-person at District Commission

Print 3 copies + 1 set per opposite party. Court fee: ₹100 (≤ ₹5 lakh free), ₹200 (₹5–10 lakh), ₹400 (₹10–20 lakh), ₹500 (₹20–50 lakh).

CCPA (misleading ads only)

Central Consumer Protection Authority can fine ₹10 lakh + 2-year imprisonment for misleading ads. File at consumeraffairs.nic.in.

consumeraffairs.nic.in

What to expect

Consumer commissions are designed to be citizen-friendly. You can represent yourself; lawyers are optional.

Week 1 Filing & notice

Commission admits the complaint, issues notice to the opposite party (typically 30 days to reply).

Month 1-3 Evidence & mediation

Both sides file affidavits + documents. Mediation is offered first (§37); most disputes settle here.

Month 3-6 Order & recovery

Statutory target is 3-5 months. Order is enforceable as a civil decree. Appeals lie to State / National Commission within 45 days.

This is a starter draft, not legal advice. The Consumer Protection Act 2019 lets you represent yourself — no lawyer required. For complex matters (multi-party class actions, medical negligence with permanent injury, large compensation claims), consult a consumer-law practitioner. Limitation period: 2 years from the date the cause of action arose (§69).