File a consumer complaint against defective goods, deficient services, or unfair trade practices.
Jurisdiction
All of India — District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) for claims up to ₹50 lakh; State Commission for ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore; National Commission (NCDRC) for claims above ₹2 crore; Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Who applies
Any consumer who has purchased goods or services for personal use and suffered from defective goods, deficiency in service, unfair trade practice, or overcharging by a trader, service provider, or manufacturer
Typical time
Admission order: 21 days from filing; final disposal within 3 months (simple); 5–18 months for complex or contested cases
Fee
District Commission: ₹200 for claims up to ₹5 lakh; ₹400 for ₹5–₹10 lakh; ₹1,000 for ₹10–₹20 lakh; ₹2,000 for ₹20–₹50 lakh; State Commission: ₹2,500 for ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore; ₹4,000 for ₹1–₹2 crore; NCDRC: ₹5,000 for above ₹2 crore
| # | Document | Type needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consumer Complaint (draft petition) | Original | Typed complaint in plain language or via e-DAAKHIL form stating: parties' names and addresses, facts of the complaint, nature of deficiency or defect, relief sought (replacement, refund, compensation), and prayer |
| 2 | Proof of purchase (receipt / invoice / order confirmation) | Self-attested Copy | Primary evidence establishing that the complainant purchased the goods or hired the service from the opposite party |
| 3 | Evidence of defect or deficiency | Self-attested Copy | Photographs of defective goods, screenshots of deficient service, engineer's report, test results, or expert opinion confirming the defect or deficiency |
| 4 | Correspondence with opposite party | Self-attested Copy | Emails, WhatsApp messages, written complaints, or calls to the opposite party's customer service showing prior attempts to resolve the issue |
| 5 | Legal Notice sent to the opposite party(optional)Advisable in all cases; mandatory for some institutions like banks before filing | Self-attested Copy | A formal legal notice (sent by registered post) demanding relief before filing the complaint — not mandatory but strengthens the case and demonstrates good faith |
| 6 | Identity proof of Complainant (Aadhaar / PAN) | Self-attested Copy | KYC for the e-DAAKHIL portal registration and Commission records |
| 7 | Court fee demand draft or e-payment receipt | Original | Payment of the prescribed fee based on the value of the claim; payable to the appropriate Commission |
Original documents: Carry originals only for in-person visits — do not hand them over permanently unless explicitly required.
Visit edaakhil.nic.in and register using your mobile number (OTP verification) and email address. Create a consumer complainant account. e-DAAKHIL is the mandatory online filing portal for consumer complaints across India as per the Consumer Protection (Consumer Commission Rules), 2020.
Login to e-DAAKHIL and select the appropriate Commission (District, State, or NCDRC) based on the value of claim. Fill in the online complaint form: opposite party details, complaint facts, nature of deficiency, and relief sought. Upload all supporting documents (PDF, max file size per portal limits). Pay the filing fee online via net banking, UPI, or debit card. The portal generates a complaint number on successful submission.
The Commission President examines the complaint within 21 days of filing. If it is in order, the Commission admits the complaint and issues notice to the opposite party to submit their reply within 30 days (extendable by 15 days). The notice is served by the Commission (in some cases, the complainant must also send a copy to the opposite party by registered post).
The opposite party submits their written version (reply) within 30 days. The Commission may refer the matter to a Consumer Mediation Cell for settlement. If mediation fails or is declined, the Commission proceeds to hear the case on merits. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, prioritises mediation to reduce the burden on Commissions.
Both parties present their arguments. The Commission may call for additional evidence, expert reports, or cross-examination. The complainant (or their advocate) argues on the next hearing date. After hearing both sides, the Commission passes its order — directing refund, replacement, compensation, or penalty as appropriate. The order is uploaded on edaakhil.nic.in.
Consumer Affairs Department (state government)
Steps 3–5 — admission, notice, hearing, and final order
Adjudicates consumer complaints for claims up to ₹50 lakh; issues orders for refund, replacement, compensation, and punitive damages
District / State / National Consumer Commission
Step 2 — complaint filing and document management
Receives complaints, verifies fee payment, assigns case numbers, and manages case files
Filing consumer complaints online, uploading documents, paying filing fees, tracking case status, and receiving orders for all three tiers of Consumer Commissions
Case tracking and orders for NCDRC-level complaints (above ₹2 crore); also lists State and District Commissions
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, sets a 2-year limitation period from the date the cause of action arose. Late filings require an application for condonation of delay, which the Commission may or may not grant. Do not delay after exhausting the opposite party's internal grievance process.
If the total compensation claimed (including goods value + damages) exceeds the District Commission's jurisdiction (₹50 lakh), it must be filed with the State Commission. Filing with the wrong Commission will be dismissed and you will need to re-file, losing time.
All new complaints must be filed electronically on edaakhil.nic.in. Physical filing is only permitted if the complainant lacks internet access, in which case a written application for physical filing must be submitted with the Commission. Most urban complaints must use e-DAAKHIL.
A formal legal notice by registered post to the opposite party, giving them 15–30 days to remedy the deficiency, often results in a settlement without the need for filing. It also strengthens your case as evidence of good faith and prior notice.
If the opposite party does not comply with the Commission's order within 30 days, you must file an execution petition. The Commission can impose penalties and even imprison the defaulting party for non-compliance, but this requires a separate execution application.