Draft format
Consumer complaint format under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
This is a standard format for a complaint before a District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with the points to cover before filing.
Last updated 9 October 2026
When to use a consumer complaint
Use a consumer complaint where a person who bought goods or hired services for consideration, and not for a commercial purpose, complains of a defect in goods, a deficiency in service, an unfair or restrictive trade practice, overcharging, or hazardous goods or services.
Which commission hears the complaint depends on the value of the goods or services paid as consideration: the District Commission up to ₹50 lakh, the State Commission above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore, and the National Commission above ₹2 crore. Adapt the heading of this format for a State or National Commission.
Legal basis: Sections 2(7), 34, 35 and 69, Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Consumer complaint: the format
Blanks and fields in [square brackets] are for you to complete. Adapt the wording to the facts and to the rules of the court or forum.
BEFORE THE HON'BLE DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION AT [Place] Consumer Complaint No.: ____ of 20__ [Name of client] ... Complainant VERSUS [Name of opposite party] ... Opposite Party COMPLAINT UNDER SECTION 35 OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019 MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH: 1. PARTIES: The Complainant is a "consumer" under Sec. 2(7). The Opposite Party is a "service provider" / "seller" under the Act. 2. FACTS: (a) The Complainant availed services / goods of the Opposite Party on __________ for Rs. ____________ /-. (b) The said services/goods suffered from the following deficiency / defect: ____________________________________________________________. (c) Despite repeated requests, the Opposite Party has failed to redress the grievance. 3. CAUSE OF ACTION: Arose on __________ at [Place] and continues to subsist. 4. JURISDICTION & LIMITATION: This Hon'ble Commission has pecuniary and territorial jurisdiction. The complaint is within limitation under Sec. 69 of the Act. 5. RELIEF: (a) Refund of Rs. ____________ /- with interest @ 12% p.a. from __________ till realisation; (b) Compensation of Rs. ____________ /- towards mental agony and harassment; (c) Litigation costs of Rs. ____________ /-; (d) Such other order(s) as deemed fit. Place: [Place] Date: [Date] ___________________________ ___________________________ [Name of client] [Name of advocate], Advocate (Complainant) Counsel for the Complainant
What the draft must get right
- Plead how the complainant is a consumer under Section 2(7) and why the transaction was not for a commercial purpose.
- Set out the transaction with dates and amounts, and annex the invoice, receipt, warranty, agreement or booking confirmation.
- Describe the defect or deficiency precisely and annex the correspondence, service reports or expert opinion that supports it.
- State when the cause of action arose and show that the complaint is within two years (Section 69). If it is late, file an application explaining the delay.
- Plead territorial jurisdiction. Under Section 34(2), a complaint may be filed where the opposite party resides or carries on business, where the cause of action arose, or where the complainant resides or personally works for gain.
- Quantify each relief separately: refund or replacement, interest, compensation and costs. Support the complaint with an affidavit and pay the prescribed fee.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the commission by the compensation claimed, when pecuniary jurisdiction now depends on the consideration paid.
- Claiming a round figure of compensation with no basis pleaded.
- Filing after two years with no application for condonation of delay.
- Leaving out a necessary opposite party, such as the manufacturer where the complaint is of a manufacturing defect.
Consumer complaint: common questions
Do I need an advocate to file a consumer complaint?
No. A complainant may file and conduct a consumer complaint in person or through an authorised agent. Many complainants engage an advocate for drafting and hearings in contested matters.
Can a consumer complaint be filed online?
Yes. Complaints can be filed electronically through the e-Jagriti portal of the Department of Consumer Affairs, which brought together the earlier e-Daakhil and case-management systems.
Is a legal notice compulsory before filing?
The Act does not make a prior notice mandatory. A written notice setting out the grievance and giving a short time to resolve it is usual, helps show the opposite party's refusal, and fixes a date for the cause of action.
Generate this on your letterhead in Settl
This format is in Settl's template library. Open a matter and the parties, court and dates are filled from the case record; you complete the facts, review, and export to PDF on your firm's letterhead.
Not legal advice. This is a general format for reference. It is not a filing-ready document and may not suit your facts or your court's rules. Verify the law, the facts and local requirements, and have a qualified advocate review the draft before it is sent or filed. Settl is not a law firm.