Consumer court fees in Delhi are low. There is no fee at all if the goods or services you paid for are worth up to ₹5 lakh. Above that, fees rise in slabs from ₹200 to ₹7,500, under Rule 7 of the Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020, as amended.
This guide gives the full fee table, explains which commission will hear your case, where to file in Delhi, the two-year time limit, and the deposits needed to appeal. For the filing steps themselves, see our guide on filing a consumer complaint online in Delhi.
Key takeaways
- No fee for claims where the consideration paid is up to ₹5 lakh.
- District Commission: up to ₹50 lakh; State: ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore; National: above ₹2 crore.
- Jurisdiction depends on the price paid, not the compensation claimed.
- File within 2 years of the cause of action (S. 69).
- Appeals need a deposit of 50% of the award, subject to a cap.
In this guide
Consumer court fee table
| Value of goods or services paid | Commission | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 lakh | District | Nil |
| ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh | District | ₹200 |
| ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh | District | ₹400 |
| ₹20 lakh – ₹50 lakh | District | ₹1,000 |
| ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore | State | ₹2,000 |
| ₹1 crore – ₹2 crore | State | ₹2,500 |
| ₹2 crore – ₹4 crore | National | ₹3,000 |
| ₹4 crore – ₹6 crore | National | ₹4,000 |
| ₹6 crore – ₹8 crore | National | ₹5,000 |
| ₹8 crore – ₹10 crore | National | ₹6,000 |
| Above ₹10 crore | National | ₹7,500 |
Source: Rule 7(2), Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020, as amended in 2022 and 2023. Fees are paid online on the e-Jagriti portal while filing, or by demand draft in favour of the commission as directed.
Which commission will hear your case?
Since the Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of the District Commission, the State Commission and the National Commission) Rules, 2021, pecuniary limits are:
| Commission | Value of goods or services paid | Section |
|---|---|---|
| District Commission | Up to ₹50 lakh | S. 34 |
| State Commission | Above ₹50 lakh up to ₹2 crore | S. 47 |
| National Commission (NCDRC) | Above ₹2 crore | S. 58 |
The key word is consideration. Under the 2019 Act, jurisdiction depends on the price you paid, not the compensation you claim. So a ₹30,000 phone with a ₹10 lakh compensation claim still goes to the District Commission, and the fee is nil.
Where to file in Delhi
Under Section 34(2) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you can file before the District Commission where:
- the opposite party resides or carries on business, or has a branch office;
- the cause of action arose, wholly or partly; or
- you, the complainant, reside or personally work for gain.
The last option is a big advantage. A Delhi resident can file against a company based anywhere in India at the District Commission for their own area. Delhi has a district consumer commission for its revenue districts; pick the one covering your residence or workplace.
Time limit to file
A complaint must be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose (Section 69). The commission can admit a late complaint if you show sufficient cause and it records reasons. Do not rely on this; file early.
Appeals and deposit
| Appeal | Time limit | Pre-deposit |
|---|---|---|
| District to State Commission | 45 days (S. 41) | 50% of the amount ordered |
| State to National Commission | 30 days (S. 51) | 50% of the amount ordered |
| National Commission to Supreme Court | 30 days (S. 67) | 50% of the amount ordered |
The Act caps the deposit for each level of appeal. Appeals are filed on e-Jagriti as well.
Other costs to plan for
- Lawyer’s fees, if you engage one. You can also appear in person.
- Notarisation of the affidavit in support of the complaint.
- Printing and courier, where physical copies are required.
- Expert evidence in technical cases such as medical negligence or defective vehicles.
The commission can award costs of litigation in your favour along with compensation, so keep receipts for all expenses.
How a consumer lawyer helps
Fees are small, but valuation and jurisdiction mistakes can get a complaint returned. A consumer complaint lawyer in Delhi can value the claim correctly, choose the right commission and draft the complaint and evidence. For builder disputes, see our guide on consumer complaints against builders in Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee for filing a consumer complaint in Delhi?
There is no fee if the goods or services you paid for are worth up to ₹5 lakh. Fees are ₹200 for ₹5–10 lakh, ₹400 for ₹10–20 lakh and ₹1,000 for ₹20–50 lakh at the District Commission. Higher slabs apply at the State and National Commissions.
Is the consumer court fee based on the compensation I claim?
No. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, both jurisdiction and fee depend on the value of goods or services paid as consideration, not on the compensation claimed. A large compensation claim on a small purchase still goes to the District Commission.
Can I file a consumer case in Delhi against a company based elsewhere?
Yes. Section 34(2) lets you file where you reside or personally work for gain. A Delhi resident can file before the District Commission for their area even if the company is based in another state.
What is the time limit for a consumer complaint?
Two years from the date the cause of action arose, under Section 69 of the Act. The commission may condone delay if you show sufficient cause, but it is safer to file well within two years.
How much deposit is needed to appeal a consumer court order?
An appeal requires depositing 50% of the amount ordered, subject to a cap prescribed for each level. Appeals to the State Commission must be filed within 45 days, and to the National Commission and Supreme Court within 30 days.
Do I need a lawyer in consumer court?
No. You can file and argue your own case. A lawyer helps with valuation, jurisdiction, drafting and evidence, especially in builder, insurance, banking and medical negligence matters.
Conclusion
Consumer court fees in Delhi are minimal and nil for most everyday claims. The bigger risks are valuing the claim wrongly, choosing the wrong commission and missing the two-year limit.
Related guides and services
- Consumer Complaint Lawyer in Delhi
- Civil Lawyer in Delhi
- Money Recovery Lawyer in Delhi
- Consumer complaint online in Delhi
- Consumer complaint against a builder in Delhi
- Consumer court fee calculator
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 [email protected]. 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.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
