Consumer Forum - Better Track Record than Real Court in India

We have an interesting update for you—filing a consumer complaint in India has become much easier and it now has a better track record than actual court cases in India.

Not interesting enough? 

Well, our system boasts a national consumer commission, 36 state commissions, and 696 district commissions, with more added every year. They have collectively disposed 90% of the cases so far from the total 57 lakh complaints being filed since inception. 

Compare it with the track record of Indian judiciary which has highest number of court cases pending in the world and it will take 324 years to clear them. 

Some background..

The Consumer Protection Act, established in 1986, has kept pace with the industrial revolution and global trade expansions, ensuring a vast range of consumer goods are not only available but that consumer rights are protected. 

Protecting consumer rights isn't a new idea—historical texts like Kautilya's Arthashastra and the Manu Smriti have long safeguarded consumer interests.

So, how does it work today? 

For issues up to 1 crore INR, you'll approach a district commission. For 1 crore to 10 crores, the state commission handles it, and for more significant issues above 10 crores, the national commission is your go-to.

You might be wondering what qualifies as a 'deficiency' under the Act. It refers to any fault or shortfall in service, whether due to negligence, error, or insufficient information.

And there's great news for those of us who prefer digital convenience: the E-Daakhil Portal allows you to file complaints from home. No more long queues!

Here's a quick guide to filing a complaint:

• It must be in writing.
• You can file online at http://edaakhil.nic.in/ or offline.
• Submit your complaint in person, by registered post, or through an agent, including the required court fee.
• You’ll need three copies of your complaint: one for the records, one for the opposing party, and one for yourself. 

Facing multiple defendants? Prepare additional copies.

The process is straightforward, avoiding complex legal procedures. You don’t need a lawyer; you can represent yourself.

If you're considering a complaint, remember:

• File within two years of the issue.
• The case may take a few months to over two years, depending on its complexity.
• Support your case with all available evidence, from WhatsApp chats to invoices.

Ustad's Recommendation: 

Before escalating to court, try resolving the issue with the seller or service provider. If unresolved, gather your evidence, choose the appropriate consumer court based on the value involved, and file your complaint.

So, next time you encounter a problem with a purchase or service, remember that taking it to consumer court is just a few steps away. It's all about ensuring fair treatment. Happy complaining, but responsibly, of course!

Interested in reading about the past cases - Search Here

Jai Hind!