Introduction

If you are looking for a Consumer Court Complaint Format and a complete guide on How to File a Consumer Case in India, you are in the right place.
This article is updated according to the latest Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which replaced the old 1986 Act.

If you are part of our NGO’s Free Legal Aid Forum or have purchased our consumer rights books, you have been referred here for detailed help. Explore Membership here.

Note for NGO Members:
If you have already been referred here, rest assured that your complaint is fully managed and monitored by our expert team.
This article is for your confidence-building and knowledge only. Drafting, monitoring, and strategic support are already included (as per your plan.)

Step-by-Step Instructions Before Filing a Consumer Case

Send a Legal Notice:

Before filing a complaint, you must first send a Consumer Legal Notice to the opposite party.

Document Preparation:

• Print/photocopy consumer notice that you have sent to the opposite party.
• Print/photocopy Courier/post receipt of consumer legal notice you have sent to the opposite party.
• Print/photocopy post/courier tracking receipt showing the notice has been delivered/notice status.
• Print/photocopy the receipt/invoice of the disputed amount.
• Print/photocopy payment proof such as Bank Statement.
• Print/photocopy ID/Transaction number of UPI, Google Pay, Paytm, NEFT, IMPS, etc.
• Make a transcript of important call recordings proving that the opposite party is liable under deficient service, unethical trade practice, threatening, etc.
  Also backup recordings on a Pen Drive and Google Drive or other cloud storage. Keep the original source intact.
  If possible, change your mobile to ensure you do not lose recordings.
  (Never share this evidence with the opposite party ever, except if the consumer commission demands such.)
• Print/photocopy WhatsApp chats (only important ones)
• Print/photocopy email communication with header (i.e. showing date, sender, receiver, and time)
• Print/photocopy other documents such as photographs, screenshots, and supporting files.

Combine all the above documents, and name each as Annexure – 1, Annexure – 2, etc.

Each document should have an annexure number so that in your main consumer complaint petition, it is easy for judges and parties to quickly locate the supporting point.
Your job is to make your complaint easy to present and understand.

If your friend/relative is appearing before the commission, you need to sign an authorization letter.
(Format given below.)
Also obtain the Aadhar Card ID of the person appearing on your behalf.

Keep your own ID proof like Aadhar Card ready if required.

Name each document clearly and refer to the correct Annexure number in your petition.

Call Recordings & Backup:

• Transcribe important parts.
• Backup recordings on a Pen Drive or Cloud (like Google Drive).
• Never lose the original file and never share it with the opposite party unless the court asks.

Authorization Letter:

If someone else (like your relative/friend) will appear on your behalf, prepare an Authorization Letter and keep their ID proof ready.

Always Keep Your Own ID Proof:

Carry your Aadhar Card or other government ID in case required during proceedings.

Note: While societal views often favor the mother as the primary caregiver, the Indian judiciary’s stance on child custody is more nuanced. The Supreme Court of India affirms that the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration when determining custody, rather than the gender of the parent.

Important Advice Before Filing a Consumer Case

Don’t Reveal All Evidence Early: Never submit all evidence with the legal notice or initial petition. Only present it when necessary.

Stay Professional and Calm: Do not get emotional or aggressive. Stick to facts you can prove.

Play Smart: Allow the opposite party to reveal their defense first. Respond later with a stronger strategy.

Be Patient: Trust the system. Your professionalism and preparation will bring results.

Focus on Facts, Not Emotions: Courts value clear, documented facts — not emotional statements.

Know About Mediation: Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, courts can now refer cases to Mediation for quicker results. Always be open for a fair settlement if offered.

Major Changes Under Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• Introduction of Mediation: Cases can now be resolved without a full trial.
• Online Filing of Complaints:
  File online at the National Consumer Helpline Portal https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/
• Expanded Definition of Consumer:
  Covers online and e-commerce buyers.
• Product Liability:
  You can sue manufacturers, sellers, and service providers jointly.
• Stricter Penalties:
  For misleading ads and unfair practices.

Resources

• Consumer Court Notice Format
• Consumer Court Petition Format

Instructions for Format:

• Read each paragraph carefully.
• Remove example texts.
• Insert your real facts, names, dates, annexure numbers, etc.
• Keep your complaint simple, clear, and precise.

Steps to Follow for Filing a Consumer Commission Complaint

Prepare Petition and Documents: Draft your complaint petition and attach necessary documents.

If Complaint Not Accepted:

• Get it notarized (carry ID proof).
• Notary charges generally below ₹100–₹200.
• Notaries available around courts.

Make Copies:

• 1 copy for yourself
• 1 for each opposite party
• 1–2 for Consumer Commission
• Keep 1 extra copy

Submit the Complaint:

• Visit the Consumer Commission office
• Meet the receiving clerk
• Understand next steps

Court Fee Payment:

• Make Demand Draft (DD) payable to the respective District/State Commission President
• Some courts accept cash or postal orders
• Always call to confirm accepted payment method

File the Complaint and Get a Receipt:

• Submit your complaint with the fee
• Get receipt, reference number, and hearing (admission) date
• If not admitted in 21 days, it is automatically admitted by law

Next Steps After Filing:

• Court sends complaint to the opposite party
• They must respond in 30 days

During Hearings:

• If unsure, request a new date
• Local courts may ask for extra documents — follow their formats

Important Cautions:

• Stay professional with court staff
• Be prepared if the opposite party hires a lawyer
• Make sure all points are submitted in writing

Online Filing

You can also file complaint online on e-Jagriti.

Note: Despite the online platform, complaints may still require physical document submission.

eBook

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Legal Fees

Check e-Jagriti Website for latest changes and fees.

DISTRICT FORUM FEE 👇

STATE FORUM FEE 👇

NATIONAL FORUM FEE 👇

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare Properly: Draft complaint and supporting documents.
• Notarize If Required: If rejected, get notarized.
• Make Copies: Keep one for yourself + extra for the commission.
• Pay Correct Court Fees: Via Demand Draft (DD).
• Follow Court Procedure: Submit, get receipt, track hearing.
• Cooperate Smartly: Respect staff, maintain independence.
• Stay Organized: Date-wise, clear referencing.
• Advance Support: For appeals, donation plan may apply.
• Save Big: Filing yourself cuts time, cost, and builds confidence.
• Consider Legal Help: For serious/high-compensation matters.
• Free Legal Aid: May be available via NGOs or government schemes.