Consumer Complaint Letter — General Goods & Services

How to file a National Consumer Helpline / District Consumer Commission complaint

1. 1

   Send a written complaint to the seller / service provider

   Email the seller. State the problem, the bill date, and what you want (refund / replacement / repair). Give a 15-day deadline. Save the email — it's your proof you tried first.

2. 2

   Call NCH 1915 — the fastest free option

   The National Consumer Helpline is toll-free. They contact the company on your behalf. Most legitimate complaints get resolved within 15-30 days at this stage, no court fee, no waiting.

3. 3

   Generate the formal letter with Nyaykar

   Tell Nyaykar what you bought, what's wrong, what you've already tried, and what you want. The AI drafts a CPA 2019-format complaint with numbered facts, legal basis under Section 2(11), and specific relief.

4. 4

   Escalate to District Consumer Commission via eDaakhil

   If NCH can't resolve, file at edaakhil.nic.in. Court fee is NIL for claims up to ₹5 lakh. Attach the Nyaykar letter, your bill / receipt, the seller's email refusing relief, and any photos.

5. 5

   Hearing and order

   District Consumer Commission typically rules within 3-6 months. They can order refund + replacement + compensation + litigation costs. The order is binding; non-compliance leads to recovery proceedings.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of complaints fall under 'Other' / general?

Anything that's a paid good or service: defective electronics, broken furniture, coaching class fees, gym memberships, contractor services, online courses, repair shops, dry cleaners, photographer no-shows, courier loss / damage, etc.

How much does a Consumer Commission case cost?

Court fee schedule (CPA 2019, 2025-26): ≤₹5 lakh = NIL, ₹5-10 lakh = ₹200, ₹10-20 lakh = ₹400, ₹20-50 lakh = ₹1,000, ₹50L-1Cr = ₹2,000. No advocate is required — you can argue your own case.

How long do I have to file?

2 years from the date of cause of action (Section 69, CPA 2019). Examples: date of purchase for defective goods, date the contractor abandoned the job, date the service was rendered badly.

I lost the bill / receipt — can I still complain?

Yes, but it's harder. UPI / card transaction history works as proof. So does a bank statement showing payment to the merchant. WhatsApp messages confirming the order also help. Mention all of these in your complaint.

The company / seller has shut down — what now?

If they're a registered company, file via MCA21 records. The directors are liable under CPA 2019 for past consumer obligations. Nyaykar can draft this version of the letter.

Can I file a class-action / group complaint?

Yes. Section 35(c), CPA 2019 allows complaints by 'one or more consumers having same interest'. If multiple people were cheated by the same contractor / seller, a joint complaint is faster and stronger.