How To Apply

The Consumer Protection Act,1986 provides for a three-tier quasi-judicial redressal mechanism at the District, State and National levels for the redressal of consumer disputes and grievances.

1. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has the jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of goods and services complained against and the compensation claimed is less than Rupees Two Lakhs.
2. The State Commission has the jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of goods and services complained against and the compensation claims are more than Rupees Two Lakhs bur less than Rupees One Crore.
3. And lastly, the National Commission has the jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of goods and services complained against and the compensation claimed exceeds Rupees One Crore.

Key Requirements

 STEP 1: Consumer Sends a Written Notice

Send a written notice to the Manufacturer explaining the exact nature of the problem and state the reason why you are not satisfied with the product or service.

For claims over Rs. 10,000/- appoint a lawyer and send the notice through the lawyer, on official letterhead.

STEP 2:  Manufacturers Response

Once a legal notice is sent, the company will likely respond to your issue. The Manufacturer might offer you fair compensation. If there is no response within 15 days of receipt of the notice, you have the right to approach the consumer forum.

STEP 3: Choosing The Right Redressal Forum

 The value of goods or services you have purchased or the compensation you claim will define the kind of forum that needs to be approached i.e., The District Forum, State Commission, or the National Commission. You have the option of filing the complaint yourself or appointing an advocate to represent you before the forum/commission. The time taken for the proceedings can range between 6 to 18 months.

STEP 4: Filing Of A Written Complaint

The written complaint must be as per the prescribed format of the relevant forum chosen for the redressal. All the relevant documents supporting the complaint, like invoices, receipts, delivery challans, communication in writing (emails and SMS also), etc. shall be attached. Submitting the legal notice shows the court that you went to the seller or service provider so that the court is convinced that you tried to resolve this dispute out-of-court.

STEP 5: Payment Of Fee

To file a consumer complaint, you must pay a court fee:

If the case is decided in your favor, the Court will direct the seller to compensate you including all your legal costs, such as court fees and lawyer fees.

How Legalo Can Help You

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