How to File a Consumer Complaint in India under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

By the legal team at Neeraj Associates · Updated 30 September 2026 · 6 min read

Who is a consumer?

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a consumer is a person who buys goods or hires services for consideration, whether online or offline — but not for resale or a commercial purpose. Complaints commonly involve builders, insurers, banks, hospitals, airlines, e-commerce platforms and product manufacturers.

Which Commission?

Jurisdiction depends on the value of the consideration paid for the goods or services:

• District Commission: up to ₹50 lakh
• State Commission: above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore
• National Commission: above ₹2 crore

You can file where you reside or work, or where the opposite party carries on business. Try our Consumer Commission finder.

Time limit

A complaint should ordinarily be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose (Section 69). Delay can be condoned if you show sufficient cause.

Steps to file

1. Send a written notice to the seller or service provider, giving them a chance to resolve the issue.
2. Collect your evidence: invoice, warranty, correspondence, photos.
3. Draft the complaint with the facts, the deficiency, and the relief claimed.
4. File it online on the e-Daakhil portal or physically, with the fee (no fee for claims up to ₹5 lakh).
5. Attend the admission hearing; the opposite party is then served and files its reply.

What you can claim

• Replacement or repair of defective goods
• Refund of the price paid
• Compensation for loss, injury and mental agony
• Discontinuation of unfair trade practices
• Costs of the proceedings

Practical tips

• Keep every bill, email, chat and call record.
• Be specific about what went wrong and what you want.
• Mediation is available and can resolve disputes faster.