Consumer
Consumer complaint format under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Drafting a consumer complaint: the pecuniary limits of the District, State and National Commissions, the two-year limitation, e-Daakhil filing and the reliefs available.
A consumer complaint is filed under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 by a consumer against a trader or service provider for a defect in goods, deficiency in service, unfair trade practice or overcharging. The District Commission has jurisdiction where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed fifty lakh rupees, the State Commission between fifty lakh and two crore rupees, and the National Commission above two crore rupees. The complaint must be filed within two years of the cause of action under Section 69, and may be filed electronically through the e-Daakhil portal.
- Governed by
- Sections 34, 35, 39 and 69, Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Consumer Protection (Consumer Commission Procedure) Regulations, 2020
- Where it is filed
- The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission where the opposite party resides or carries on business, or where the cause of action arose, or where the complainant resides or personally works for gain.
- Who files it
- The consumer, a recognised consumer association, one or more consumers with the same interest, or the Central or State Government.
- Time limit
- Two years from the date on which the cause of action arose, under Section 69. Delay may be condoned on sufficient cause shown.
- Court fee and stamp
- A fee slab based on the value of the goods or services and the compensation claimed, as prescribed by the Rules.
- Languages PleadEasy drafts this in
- English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam
What a consumer complaint must contain
The parts below are the structure of the document in filing order. The operative wording is a matter for the drafting advocate and for the practice of the court concerned.
1.Cause title
The Commission, the complainant with address, and each opposite party with a complete address for service.
2.Consumer status
The facts showing that the complainant is a consumer within Section 2(7): the purchase or hiring of goods or services for consideration and not for resale or a commercial purpose.
3.The transaction
The date of purchase or engagement, the amount paid, and the invoice, policy or work order relied on.
4.Defect or deficiency
The defect in the goods or the deficiency in the service, particularised with dates, and the complaints made to the opposite party.
5.Jurisdiction
Territorial jurisdiction, and the pecuniary jurisdiction computed on the consideration paid.
6.Limitation
The date the cause of action arose and how the complaint is within two years of it.
7.Reliefs
Replacement or repair, refund of the price, compensation for loss or injury, compensation for mental agony, punitive damages where warranted, and costs.
8.Affidavit and documents
The supporting affidavit and the documents relied on, filed with an index.
Mistakes that get this document returned
- Computing pecuniary jurisdiction on the compensation claimed rather than the consideration paid, which the 2019 Act uses.
- Filing beyond two years without an application to condone the delay.
- Not pleading the facts that make the complainant a consumer, especially where the purchase has any commercial colour.
- Naming a dealer or branch without a correct address for the manufacturer or principal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pecuniary jurisdiction of the District Consumer Commission?
Following the notification of December 2021, the District Commission hears complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed fifty lakh rupees, the State Commission from fifty lakh to two crore rupees, and the National Commission above two crore rupees.
What is the limitation for a consumer complaint?
Two years from the date on which the cause of action arose, under Section 69 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with power in the Commission to condone delay for sufficient reasons recorded.
Can a consumer complaint be filed online?
Yes. Complaints can be filed electronically on the e-Daakhil portal maintained for consumer commissions across India.
Draft a consumer complaint from your client conversation
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Related formats
Last reviewed 30 August 2026. This guide is general information about court procedure for advocates. It is not legal advice and does not replace the rules of practice of the court you are filing in.