How to File a Consumer Complaint in NCDRC (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’ve ever bought a product that didn’t work as promised or dealt with a service provider who simply refused to fix an issue, you’re not alone. Every consumer in India is protected under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and you have the right to seek compensation or corrective action.
The best part? Filing a consumer complaint today is far simpler than it used to be. With online platforms like e-Jagriti, you can submit your complaint digitally without visiting any commission office.
This guide explains the entire process in a clear, practical way — from understanding your rights to submitting your complaint before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).
Why This Guide Matters
Whether you’re filing against a retailer, an online shopping platform, a manufacturer, or a service provider, this article gives you:
- A simple explanation of your consumer rights
- The step-by-step process to file your complaint
- Required documents and court fees
- Jurisdiction guidance (District, State, or National Commission)
- Tips to avoid mistakes that may delay your case
Understanding Your Rights as a Consumer
Before filing a complaint, it helps to know what the law guarantees you:
- Right to Safety
Protection from harmful or defective products and services.
- Right to Information
You should know the price, quality, quantity, and terms of the goods/services you purchase.
- Right to Choose
Freedom to select from various products and services at competitive prices.
- Right to Be Heard
Your complaint must be acknowledged and considered by consumer forums.
- Right to Seek Redressal
You can demand compensation for defective goods, poor service, or unfair practices.
- Right to Consumer Education
You are entitled to know your rights and how to enforce them.
If any of these rights are violated, you can file a consumer complaint.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Consumer Complaint
- Try to Resolve the Issue Directly
Before approaching consumer courts:
- Contact the seller or service provider
- Keep records of bills, chats, emails, invoices, warranty cards
- Many companies resolve complaints when confronted with proper evidence
- Draft a Clear Written Complaint
Your complaint should include:
- A simple explanation of the issue
- Details of when and where you purchased the product/service
- Supporting documents: bills, photos/videos of defects, warranty papers
- What relief you want: refund, repair, replacement, compensation, etc.
- Decide the Correct Jurisdiction
Consumer cases are divided based on the value of the claim:
- District Commission: Up to ?50 lakh
- State Commission: ?50 lakh to ?2 crore
- NCDRC: Above ?2 crore
File in the location where:
- The opposite party resides or conducts business, or
- The cause of action took place
How to File a Consumer Complaint in NCDRC
You can file your NCDRC complaint in two ways: online or offline.
- A) File Online through e-Jagriti (Easiest Method)
India now allows fully digital filing through: e-jagriti.gov.in
Steps:
- Visit the e-Jagriti portal
- Register using your mobile number, email, and Aadhaar
- Upload:
- Complaint draft
- Affidavit
- Supporting documents
- ID proof
- Pay the court fee (You may check with the Commission before final submission)
- Submit the original hard copy to the Commission if required
- Track your case online anytime
This method is fast, transparent, and avoids unnecessary travel.
- B) File Offline (Traditional Method)
If you prefer physical filing:
- Submit the complaint in duplicate copies with a notarised affidavit
- Attach all documents: bills, warranties, photos, emails, etc.
- Pay the required court fee
- File it with the appropriate consumer commission
Court Fees for Consumer Complaints
| Claim Amount | Court Fee |
| Up to ?5 lakh | ?200 |
| ?5 lakh – ?10 lakh | ?400 |
| ?10 lakh – ?20 lakh | ?500 |
| ?20 lakh – ?50 lakh | ?2,000 |
| Above ?50 lakh | ?5,000 |
Time Limit for Filing a Complaint
You must file your complaint within 2 years from the date the issue arose.
A delay may be allowed only if you provide a valid written explanation.
Reliefs You Can Claim in Consumer Court
The Commission may order:
- Refund of the product price
- Replacement or repair
- Compensation for financial loss or inconvenience
- Stop to unfair trade practices
- Return of litigation costs
Documents Required to File a Consumer Complaint
Here is the full list of documents generally required:
- Copy of the bill, invoice, or warranty card
- Legal notice/letter sent to the opposite party
- All communication proofs (email, SMS, chat logs)
- Photos/videos showing the defect or issue
- ID proof of complainant
- Complaint with notarised affidavit
- Any expert report, if applicable
Additional Documents Typically Included in Consumer Filings
- Index
- Proforma for Filing Consumer Complaint
- Synopsis with List of Dates and Events
- Memo of Parties
- Consumer Complaint with Notarised Affidavit
- Annexures/Documents
- Interlocutory Applications (IA), if any
- Vakalatnama, if filed through an advocate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing in the wrong commission
- Not attaching adequate documents
- Asking for vague or unclear compensation
- Delay in filing without justification
- Not keeping copies of all submissions
Alternative Options for Redressal
Apart from consumer courts, you can also use:
- National Consumer Helpline (NCH)
- NCH Online Complaint Portal
- Sector-specific regulators:
- TRAI for telecom
- IRDAI for insurance
- RBI for banking issues
FAQs on Filing Consumer Complaints
- Do I need a lawyer?
Not necessarily. You can represent yourself, though legal assistance can help in complex cases.
- How long does it take to resolve a case?
The Act aims for resolution within 3–6 months, but practical delays may happen.
- Can I file a complaint for online purchases?
Yes. Issues with Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc., are fully covered under consumer law.
- Is there a penalty for false complaints?
Yes. A frivolous or malicious complaint may attract a penalty of up to ?10,000.