A consumer complaint format is the structure in which you present your case to a Consumer Commission: parties, facts, deficiency, jurisdiction, limitation, relief and an affidavit with documents. This guide gives a section-by-section sample draft under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, along with the filing checklist and common drafting errors.
Key takeaways
- A complaint must name the parties, set out facts and the deficiency or defect, and state the relief claimed.
- It must show jurisdiction (Section 34) and that it is filed within two years (Section 69).
- An affidavit and attested true copies of annexures go with the complaint.
- Use a dated chronology, an index and running page numbers; registries return untidy filings.
- Complaints are now filed online on e-Jagriti; the same format is uploaded as PDF.
In this guide
What a consumer complaint must contain
Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 allows a consumer to complain about a defect in goods, deficiency in services, unfair trade practice, overcharging or unsafe goods. The Consumer Commission (Procedure) Regulations, 2020 lay down how the complaint is to be presented. A clear format helps the Commission see the dispute quickly.
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Title and forum | Name of the District, State or National Commission and the complaint under Section 35 |
| Parties | Full name, address, phone and email of the complainant and each opposite party |
| Jurisdiction | Pecuniary limit (by consideration paid) and territorial basis under Section 34 |
| Facts | Dated, numbered paragraphs describing the purchase or service and what went wrong |
| Deficiency or defect | The specific shortcoming, with reference to the bill, policy, agreement or advertisement |
| Limitation | Cause of action date and a statement that filing is within two years (Section 69) |
| No other proceeding | Statement about whether the same matter is pending elsewhere |
| Prayer (relief) | Refund, replacement, repair, compensation, interest and costs, each stated clearly |
| Verification and affidavit | Signed verification and a sworn affidavit supporting the facts |
| Annexures and list of dates | Attested copies of documents, indexed and numbered |
Consumer complaint format: sample draft
The sample below uses placeholders in square brackets. Adapt it to your facts and have it checked before filing.
- Heading: Before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, [District], Delhi. Consumer Complaint No. ____ of 20__ under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
- Cause title: [Name, address, contact] … Complainant versus [Name, address, contact] … Opposite Party.
- Jurisdiction: The consideration paid is ₹[amount], which is within the pecuniary jurisdiction of this Commission. The opposite party carries on business at [address] in Delhi, and the cause of action arose in Delhi (Section 34).
- Facts: 1. The complainant bought/availed [goods/service] on [date] for ₹[amount] (Annexure C-1). 2. On [date] [defect/deficiency occurred]. 3. The complainant complained on [date] (Annexure C-2); the opposite party [refused/ignored].
- Deficiency: The conduct of the opposite party amounts to deficiency in service/unfair trade practice/defect in goods because [reasons].
- Limitation: The cause of action arose on [date]. The complaint is within two years under Section 69.
- Other proceedings: No other proceeding on the same cause of action is pending.
- Prayer: The complainant prays that the Commission direct the opposite party to (a) refund/replace/repair [details]; (b) pay compensation of ₹[amount] for harassment; (c) pay interest at [rate]% from [date]; (d) pay litigation costs of ₹[amount].
- Verification, signature and date; affidavit in support.
Our guide on filing a consumer complaint online in Delhi shows how to upload this draft on e-Jagriti.
Filing checklist: documents and annexures
The National Commission publishes a filing checklist, and district commissions follow a similar pattern. Confirm the current requirements with the Delhi district registry before filing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Index and running page numbers | Number pages numerically from the index onwards |
| Proforma and synopsis with list of dates | Chronology of events with dates |
| Memo of parties | Addresses, phone numbers and email of both sides and counsel |
| Complaint with affidavit | Affidavit sworn before a notary or oath commissioner |
| Annexures (C-1, C-2, …) | Receipts, bills, agreements, emails, legal notice, replies; attested as true copies |
| Condonation application with affidavit | Only if filed after the two-year period |
| Translation | English translation of any vernacular document |
| Fee | Nil up to ₹5 lakh; higher slabs as per the rules |
How to draft and file the complaint: step by step
- Send a legal notice or written complaint to the opposite party and keep proof of delivery.
- Collect bills, receipts, warranties, policy or agreement, emails and chats showing the defect and your attempts to resolve it.
- Work out the consideration paid to choose the correct Commission and fee slab.
- Prepare the complaint in the format above, with an affidavit and a chronology.
- Compile annexures in order, attest copies and paginate the whole set.
- Register on e-Jagriti, upload the PDF, pay the fee if payable and note the filing number.
- Track notice, reply, evidence and hearing dates on the portal and keep your own diary.
Practical insight from Delhi commissions: Keep every paragraph of the complaint tied to an annexure number. Commissions in Delhi work through heavy daily lists, and a complaint with a one-page chronology and annexures cited in the facts is easier to admit at the first hearing and leaves less room for the opposite party to seek time.
Choosing the relief (prayer) clause
The prayer tells the Commission exactly what to order. Claim only what the facts support, and give an amount or a clear direction for each head:
| Relief | When it fits | How to state it |
|---|---|---|
| Refund of price | Defective goods or a service not provided | Amount paid, with interest from the payment date |
| Replacement or repair | Defective goods still usable | Specify the product and a time limit |
| Removal of deficiency | Ongoing service problem | Direct the opposite party to perform the service |
| Compensation | Loss, harassment or mental agony | A fixed sum with a short reason |
| Litigation costs | Always, if you succeed | A reasonable fixed amount |
| Discontinue unfair practice | Misleading advertisement or unfair term | Direct the opposite party to stop and withdraw it |
Drafting tips for a stronger complaint
- State facts in short numbered paragraphs, in date order.
- Quote the exact clause, bill number or advertisement that was breached.
- Claim specific relief with amounts and the basis for each head.
- Attach your legal notice and the opposite party’s reply, if any.
- Use the opposite party’s correct registered name and address; wrongly named parties delay service.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing in the wrong Commission because the consideration paid was calculated wrongly.
- Leaving out the affidavit or attested copies of annexures.
- Claiming vague relief such as “justice” without amounts.
- Missing the two-year limit without a condonation application.
- Mixing facts, arguments and legal citations in one long paragraph.
How a lawyer helps
A consumer complaint lawyer in Delhi can check jurisdiction and limitation, draft the complaint and affidavit, organise annexures and appear at hearings. For advice specific to your situation, you may consult a qualified advocate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the format of a consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint begins with the Commission’s name and the section under which it is filed, followed by the parties, jurisdiction, numbered facts, the deficiency or defect, limitation, a statement on other proceedings, the prayer for relief, verification and an affidavit. Annexures are attached with an index and running page numbers.
Is an affidavit required with a consumer complaint?
Yes. The complaint is supported by an affidavit that verifies the facts, and applications such as a condonation of delay request also need affidavits. The affidavit is sworn before a notary or oath commissioner. Registries check this at filing, and a missing affidavit can lead to the complaint being returned.
Can I write a consumer complaint myself without a lawyer?
Yes. A consumer may appear and argue in person, and no lawyer is compulsory. Use the format in this guide, keep facts in numbered paragraphs, attach attested annexures and file on e-Jagriti. For complex cases or high-value claims, advice from a qualified advocate can reduce errors and avoid delay.
What documents should be attached to a consumer complaint?
Attach proof of purchase or payment, the agreement, policy or warranty, your written complaints and the opposite party’s replies, any legal notice, photographs or reports showing the defect, and ID and address proof. Each document is marked as an annexure, attested as a true copy and listed in the index.
What is the time limit for filing a consumer complaint?
Under Section 69 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a complaint must be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose. The Commission can condone a delay if you show sufficient cause by an application with an affidavit, but you should not rely on that. File as early as possible.
Is there a fee to file a consumer complaint?
No fee is payable where the consideration paid is up to ₹5 lakh. Higher consideration brings slab-based fees payable online at the time of filing. The National Commission, for example, charges separate slabs above ₹2 crore. Check the current fee table for your Commission before filing.
Conclusion
A good consumer complaint format is simple: clear parties, dated facts, a specific deficiency, correct jurisdiction, a precise prayer and a neat set of annexures with an affidavit. Check limitation and the Commission’s pecuniary limit first, then file on e-Jagriti.
This guide was prepared with reference to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Consumer Protection (Consumer Commission Procedure) Regulations, 2020, available on India Code. Formats and fee slabs can change; check the current requirements before filing.
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- Consumer Complaint Online in Delhi
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Written and reviewed by Advocate Shubham Mehta
Advocate, Bar Council of Delhi (Enrl. No. D/6398/2021), and head of SRLM Law Associates. He practises before Rohini Courts, other Delhi District Courts, Family Courts, consumer commissions and the Delhi High Court. More about the firm
Speak to SRLM Law Associates
For advice specific to your situation, you may consult a qualified advocate. Advocate Shubham Mehta and the SRLM Law Associates team can be reached at +91 92052 74745 or info@srlmlaw.com. Chamber: 1310, Lawyer’s Chamber Block, Rohini Courts, Delhi – 110085. Office: 250, Kayan Vihar, Delhi – 110033. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. See our Google reviews and directions.
