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Consumer Complaint – An Overview

A Consumer Complaint is a formal grievance filed by a consumer against a service provider, retailer, or manufacturer when the consumer's rights are violated, such as by receiving defective products or substandard services. It is a legal tool available under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for resolving disputes.

  • Legal Right of Consumers: Consumers are entitled to file complaints if they experience unfair trade practices, substandard products or services, or if their rights are violated under the Consumer Protection Act.
  • Accessible Resolution Mechanism: A consumer complaint can be filed with the District Consumer Forum, State Consumer Forum, or National Consumer Forum depending on the severity of the issue.
  • Timely Remedy: Legal proceedings ensure that the consumer gets a remedy in case of breach of contract, defective goods, or deficient services.

Documents Required for Consumer Complaint

  • Copy of Purchase Receipt/Invoice
  • Warranty/Guarantee Documents (if applicable)
  • Communication Records (Emails, Letters)
  • Photos or Videos (if the product is defective)
  • Identity Proof and Address Proof

Consumer Complaint Timeline

The consumer complaint process typically takes around 1 to 3 months for resolution at the District Consumer Forum, depending on the nature of the case. It may take longer if escalated to State or National Consumer Forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Consumer Complaint?

A Consumer Complaint is a legal tool for consumers to seek redressal in case they face issues such as defective goods, poor services, or violations of their consumer rights as per the Consumer Protection Act.

How do I file a Consumer Complaint?

A complaint can be filed online or offline through the respective Consumer Forum (District, State, or National) with the required documents to substantiate your case.

Is there any fee to file a Consumer Complaint?

No, filing a consumer complaint is free of cost for cases involving products and services under a certain monetary value. For higher value cases, there may be nominal court fees.