Quick answer
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a consumer complaint must be filed online via the e-Daakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in). The complaint must be filed within a strict limitation period of 2 years from the date the cause of action arose (e.g. the date of purchase or service failure). The court fee is nominal and ranges from Nil (for claims up to Rs. 5 Lakh) to Rs. 7,500 (for claims up to Rs. 2 Crore). The case is filed before the District, State, or National Commission based on the total value of the goods or services paid as consideration.
As a consumer, if you purchase defective goods or receive deficient services, such as from an insurance company, a builder, an e-commerce platform, or an electronics brand, you have a right to seek compensation. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, modernised consumer litigation in India by introducing the e-Daakhil portal (edaakhil.nic.in). This portal allows consumers to file complaints online from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to physically visit the consumer court. At Inamdar Legal, we help consumers draft structured complaints, choose the correct commission, and upload their files on the e-Daakhil portal.
Quick Answer
- 01Limitation period: Within 2 years from the date of the defect or service deficiency.
- 02Filing fee: Nil for claims up to Rs. 5 Lakh; minor graded fees for higher claims.
- 03Filing portal: Online filing via edaakhil.nic.in (e-Daakhil portal).
- 04Remedies: Refund, replacement, compensation for mental agony, and litigation costs.
Who Can File a Complaint as a 'Consumer'?
To file a case under the Consumer Protection Act, you must fit the legal definition of a 'consumer' under Section 2(7). A consumer is anyone who buys goods or hires services for consideration (payment). Important nuances include: - Commercial Exclusion: If you buy goods for resale or commercial purposes, you are not considered a consumer, unless the purchase was made solely to earn a livelihood by means of self-employment (such as a doctor buying an ultrasound machine for their clinic). - User Inclusion: The definition includes any user of the goods or beneficiary of the services who uses them with the permission of the buyer.
Understanding Pecuniary Jurisdiction and Filing Fees
You must file your complaint before the correct commission based on the total amount paid for the goods or services. Filing in the wrong commission will lead to immediate rejection. The limits and official fees are categorized below:
| Commission Tier | Pecuniary Limit (Value Paid) | Official Filing Fee | Adjudication Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Commission | Up to Rs. 50 Lakh | Nil (up to Rs. 5L) / Rs. 100 - Rs. 1,000 | District Consumer Forum |
| State Commission | Rs. 50 Lakh to Rs. 2 Crore | Rs. 2,000 - Rs. 4,000 | State Consumer Disputes Commission |
| National Commission | Above Rs. 2 Crore | Rs. 7,500 | National Consumer Commission (NCDRC) |
Prerequisites to Filing on e-Daakhil Portal
Before uploading your complaint on the e-Daakhil portal, you must follow these preparatory steps: Step 1: Dispatch a Written Legal Notice Although not strictly mandatory, sending a formal 15-day notice to the seller or service provider is highly recommended. It shows the court that you attempted to settle the matter. Many brands settle disputes at this stage to avoid court litigation. Step 2: Prepare the Index and Petition Draft the complaint detailing the facts, the defect or deficiency, and the specific relief claimed (refund, replacement, or compensation). Organize your bills, warranty cards, correspondence, and emails into indexed Annexures. Step 3: Create e-Daakhil Account Register on edaakhil.nic.in as a 'Consumer' or 'Authorised Representative' using your Aadhaar card and email ID.
The 2-Year Limitation Period Rule
Under Section 69 of the Act, a consumer commission will not admit a complaint unless it is filed within 2 years from the date the cause of action arose. For example, if you bought a car with an engine defect in January 2024, you must file the complaint before January 2026. If the deadline is missed, you must file a 'Condonation of Delay' application showing a highly valid, exceptional reason for the delay. The commission will only accept the case if they are convinced by your explanation.
State-Specific Notes: Gujarat Consumer Commissions
For consumers in Surat, District Commission complaints are filed before the Surat District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (which has multiple benches due to high case volumes). State-level appeals are routed to the Gujarat State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Ahmedabad. The e-Daakhil portal allows Surat consumers to select the Surat commission online and upload their files. We help local residents draft the petition and format the documents to match the filing guidelines of Gujarat commissions.
How Inamdar Legal Helps with Your Consumer Complaint
Inamdar Legal provides complete remote drafting and e-Daakhil upload support. Operating from Surat, we serve clients across India. Our services include: 1. We analyze your purchase documents and calculate the correct pecuniary jurisdiction. 2. We draft and send the formal 15-day consumer demand notice to the company. 3. We draft the formal Consumer Complaint, the Index of Documents, and the required Verification Affidavit. 4. We manage the e-Daakhil portal registration, compile the files into PDF formats under 1 MB, and submit the online application. To begin, the client provides: (1) Copy of invoice/payment receipt, (2) Product warranty card or service agreement, (3) Communication logs (emails/chat records with the seller).
When to obtain a review
A review is especially useful when…
- — Received defective electronic goods or household appliances
- — Filing a claim for insurance policy rejection or delay
- — Deficiency in hospital, builder, tour operator, or airline services
- — Preparing the online filing package for edaakhil.nic.in
Legal information notice
This guide is based on public records and procedures available as of the date of publication. It is not legal advice. Rules, fees, and timelines are subject to change by government authorities. Consult a qualified advocate to review your specific documentation. Inamdar Legal is based in Surat, Gujarat, and provides remote support across India.