Consumer Court Complaint Format and Documents

The standard structure

Use these headings in this order.

• Cause title: name of the Commission, complaint number left blank, complainant's full name, age, occupation and address, then the opposite party's full name and address (registered office where it is a company).
• Facts: numbered paragraphs, strictly in date order, each with a date and a document reference.
• Deficiency / defect / unfair trade practice: state precisely what was promised and what was delivered.
• Cause of action: the date on which it arose and, if there were multiple, the continuing nature.
• Jurisdiction: pecuniary and territorial, with the basis stated.
• Limitation: state that the complaint is within two years, or file a separate condonation application.
• Relief: refund with interest, replacement, compensation for mental agony, litigation costs — each quantified.
• Verification and affidavit: signed by the complainant.
• List of documents with page numbers.

Drafting tips that matter

Quantify everything. 'Compensation for harassment' means nothing; '₹25,000 towards mental agony on account of eleven months of follow-up' is arguable.

Attach the paper trail even when it is unflattering to you. Commissions dislike selective annexures, and the opposite party will file the rest anyway.

Keep the narrative under three pages. The documents do the persuading.

Filing modes

You can file online through e-Daakhil or physically at the Commission. Physical filing usually needs the complaint in the number of sets the Commission directs, with one set for each opposite party.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Assemble the documents first

   Draft after you have the invoice, correspondence and evidence in front of you — the facts section is written from the paper trail.

2. 2

   Write the cause title

   Get the opposite party's registered office address right; service failures cause months of delay.

3. 3

   Write facts in numbered, dated paragraphs

   Each paragraph should reference the annexure that proves it.

4. 4

   State the deficiency and the law

   Point to the specific provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 you rely on.

5. 5

   Quantify the relief and value the complaint

   The valuation drives both the fee and the pecuniary jurisdiction.

6. 6

   Sign the verification and swear the affidavit

   Notarised or attested as the Commission requires.

7. 7

   Index, paginate and file

   Upload on e-Daakhil or file the required sets physically, and pay the prescribed fee.

Documents you need

• Invoice or receipt and the order confirmation
• Warranty or service contract and terms and conditions relied on
• Photographs, videos or an independent technical report on the defect
• Full email and messaging correspondence, printed and dated
• National Consumer Helpline docket or the legal notice with dispatch proof
• Affidavit verifying the complaint and identity proof of the complainant
• Authority letter or board resolution where a firm or company complains

Common mistakes to avoid

• Filing without an affidavit or without the list of documents.
• Wrong or incomplete address of the opposite party.
• Undated screenshots and unreadable photographs.
• Mixing two unrelated transactions into one complaint.
• Claiming interest without stating the rate and the period.

When you should see an advocate

• The opposite party is an insurer, hospital or builder and the case will be technical.
• You are seeking punitive damages or class relief.
• There is a limitation problem to be argued.
• You must appeal to the State or National Commission.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a prescribed format?

The Consumer Protection (Consumer Commission Procedure) Regulations prescribe the content and form of a complaint. The structure above follows those requirements; check the current regulations and any Commission-specific practice directions.

Do I need to notarise the affidavit?

Practice varies between Commissions; e-Daakhil accepts an uploaded signed affidavit and the Commission may direct notarisation later.

How many copies for physical filing?

Usually one set for the Commission and one for each opposite party. Confirm with the filing counter.

Can a legal heir file?

Yes, in the circumstances allowed by the Act, with proof of legal heirship.