What is a Consumer Complaint?
Consumers who pay for a specific good or service have the right to take legal action if they receive subpar products or subpar services. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 gives consumers various legal rights and protections. According to this Act, the customer may take a business or service provider to court with a formal complaint. An online consumer complaint is what this specific issue is known as. If the business ignores a legal warning to correct the problem, a complaint is typically made. All necessary information and accompanying documentation must be submitted when registering a complaint. The consumer courts in India offer clients prompt legal counsel and decisions.
What are the steps for filing a Consumer Complaint?
Steps for filing a consumer Complaint
- Raise notice – mention the issue faced
Express the problem faced over the service or the product in a written for to the seller or the manufacturer. If one has to claim above 10,000, make sure to reach out a lawyer and send over the notice through a professional letter from the lawyer’s end.
- Wait for the Vendor to respond
After dispatching the legal notice the vendor will respond to the complaint. Give them time for 15 days to come back otherwise contact the consumer forum.
- Select the Forum correctly
Once you’ve documented your concerns, it’s time to decide where to file your complaint. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
- Consumer Forums: These handle smaller claims. The specific forum you choose will depend on the claimed value of your complaint.
- Commissions: State and National Commissions handle larger claims.
Finding the right forum/commission is crucial, so consider consulting a consumer helpline or legal professional for guidance. Be aware that consumer court proceedings can take anywhere from six to eighteen months to complete.
- Submission of written complaint
Each forum/commission might have specific formatting requirements for complaints.
- Focus on Written Documentation: Always submit a written complaint that clearly outlines your grievance.
- Free Help Available: Our team of professionals can assist you in drafting a strong complaint that includes all the necessary details to effectively present your case.
- Don’t Forget the Notice: Remember the written notice you sent to the vendor? Including it with your complaint demonstrates you made a good faith effort to resolve the issue directly. This can be helpful in court.
- Court Fee Payment
While there is a filing fee associated with consumer complaints, the amount varies depending on your claim value. Here’s the good news: If your case is successful, the court can order the seller to reimburse you for all your expenses, including the filing fee, attorney fees, and even the cost of filing your online complaint!
What are the eligibility Criteria in order to file a Consumer Complaint Online/ EDakhil?
The matter in question must be suitable for resolution under the Consumer Protection Act, and not through civil litigation, criminal prosecution, or labor tribunals.
In your complaint, clearly state that you want a full refund and any other compensation you’re owed.
Online consumer complaints (OnlineVakil) can’t be used just to get money back, recover items, or return/exchange products.
Claims exceeding ₹50 lakhs are ineligible for online filing with the district consumer forum.
FAQs
1. Who can file a Consumer complaint?
Any individual who has purchased products or utilized services– A collective of customers sharing mutual interests– The legal heirs of a deceased consumer– Relatives of a consumer
2. When can a consumer file a complaint?
A consumer can file a complaint when they are dissatisfied with a service provided by any service provider or seller, when defects are found in the products or services in question, or when they are misled by a seller.
3. Is it possible to contest a Consumer court decision?
If someone disagrees with the National Commission’s ruling, they have the option to file a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court within thirty days, as stipulated by the Consumer Protection Act.
4. What punishments does the Consumer Protection Act entail?
If a person fails to adhere to a decision by the State or National Commission following a complaint against them, they may face imprisonment ranging from one month to three years.
6. Can a customer claim compensation from a company?
A consumer can, depending on the case, can claim compensation from a company, provided they can prove it in court.
7. To whom should consumer complaints be registered?
Consumer complaints can be registered either at the Consumer Court/Forum or by reaching out to us for legal assistance regarding your concern. We will support you in pursuing stringent actions against the service provider by issuing a legal notice to the company. Simply select from our range of package options.
8. Do you need any proof to support your complaint?
Indeed, it is necessary to have clear and easily understandable evidence to support the complaint you lodge.
9. How can you make the payment?
You can make the payment through Debit Card, Credit Card, Netbanking and Paytm.
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