How to file consumer complaint online for free India 2024

 Introduction

Purchasing products or hiring services comes with a host of customer rights guaranteed by India's unique three-tier network of consumer dispute redressal forums. However, while consumers often talk about their grievances, very few take steps to seek legal recourse against issues like fake goods, delays, defects or deficiencies. Fortunately, filing complaints to relevant consumer courts for cases under Rs. 10 crores is actually quite convenient in the digital era through an online process facilitated by the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) portal.

By simply visiting NCH website - consumerhelpline.gov.in - and registering your details along with purchase order specifics and description of the problem faced, consumers can now invoke complaint redressal from relevant district, state or even national commissions without needing to hire lawyers. The process is quick, transparent and it allows tracking case status digitally from start resolution. So whether it is e-commerce refunds or manufactured goods defects, this step-by-step guide covers basics of submitting consumer complaints online and getting timely resolutions to safeguard customer rights. Know that companies cannot evade responding once summoned legally through these forums on valid grounds - and with all digital case history available, justice is seldom far for Bharat’s consumers.

Step By Step Guide to file consumer complaint

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file an online consumer complaint in India:

Gather Purchase and Complaint Details

Collect all order details, invoices, warranty cards, delivery receipts etc. related to the product or service purchased.

Note down the specific issues faced, damages/losses incurred along with date and place of purchase. Keep printouts ready.

Register on National Consumer Helpline (NCH)

Now they provide whatsapp support and android application from where you can directly submit complaint, first you have to register on there site or mobile application creating an account by clicking on signup

or 

 1800-11-4000 or 1915 these are number for registering complaint through mobile.

• Go to NCH website - https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
• Click on "Register Your Complaint" and fill in personal details like name, contact info etc.
• Choose Complaint Category
• Specify the category your consumer complaint falls under - e-commerce issues, defective goods, service issues etc.

Enter Purchase and Complaint Details

• Enter the company name, location, and specific details of purchase - item, date, amount paid, warranty etc.
• Describe complaint in brief - what happened, deficiency/losses faced & resolution expected.
• Attach Relevant Documents & Proof
• Upload scans or images of any supporting documents, invoices, communications etc. under the "documents" section.

Select Appropriate Consumer Forum

• Based on value and location, select the relevant District/State/National consumer forum.
• Preview entire complaint before submitting to ensure all vital details have been captured.

Register Complaint

Accept declaration and click on “Submit” to successfully register your consumer complaint.

What after registering  a complaint?

• After you file a complaint, an account is created with your complaint number and details
• You can log into the NCH website at any time to check your complaint status
• It shows updates on which consumer forum (district/state/national level) it is assigned to
• Whenever hearings are scheduled, forums send notices through mail/SMS
• Plaintiff and defendant both receive communication on case status, orders
• So keep address and contact details updated in your consumer forum case file