Easiest way to file a Consumer Complaint online.

It is quite often, that the Rights of Consumers', are taken for granted and many shopkeeper's or service provider's tend to violate the rights of Consumers' the same way, a knife goes through butter. With the help this article, I intend to provide insights on this very crucial topic, on which, not many people pay heed.

And to add to that, many people are clueless, as to how can you file a consumer complaint in case of violation of their rights, many consumers do not know their rights in the first place!

Let us first understand when can a consumer file a complaint:

If you have any grievances about the quality of a brand, product or service, you can file a consumer complaint and seek redress.

If you, as a consumer, have any grievances about the quality of a brand, product or service, you can file a consumer complaint and seek redress.

Ways through which a consumer can seek redressal of their grievances:

1. Physically filing a complaint before the District Consumer Forum.

2. All you need to do is visit consumerhelp.gov.in and file a complaint online.

Many people are baffled by the idea of going to the court and due to this reason, people do not complain even if they are cheated by someone of wrong price, product, service, etc.

Nevertheless, contrary to the belief of people, which they preserve in their imaginations, filing a consumer complaint is a piece of cake.

Why was the Consumer Protection Act enacted?

It is the right of a consumer to receive quality products and standard services. But in countless situations, consumers become victims of imperfect goods or inadequate services.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, was enacted to provide protection and safeguard the interests of the consumers' and to also provide for compensation of defective products or inadequate services and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

What is the eligibility criteria to file a consumer complaint?

A consumer can only file a complaint when:

1. The consumer has paid money to purchase products or to avail services in exchange of money.

2. The person has purchased the product for personal use only and not for commercial purposes or for resale.

When can a consumer file a complaint?

Following are some of the conditions, wherein, a consumer can file a complaint against the defaulter:

• Unfair or restricted trade practice by a service provider.

• Selling goods that are hazardous to life, safety, and property.

• Defective or substandard products, which are already bought or agreed to be purchased by the consumer.

• Deficiency in service, whether hired or confirmed to be hired.

• Overcharging for goods when the prices are capped by the law for the time being in force.

Ways through which a person can file an online consumer complaint?

• You can call to register your grievance 1800-11-4000 or 14404 Timing: All Days Except National Holidays (09:30 AM To 05:30 PM)

• Any person can send an SMS on this Number 8130009809 and the appropriate authorities will get back to that concerned person.

• Register a complaint online at consumerhelp.gov.in

• Register your grievance through National Consumer Helpline Application(NCH APP)

• Register your grievance through Consumer Application

• Register your grievance through UMANG APP.

What are the steps involved in filing a consumer complaint online?

1. The consumer should visit the website of the consumer online resource and empowerment centre (consumerhelpline.gov.in). It is a complaint and grievance redressal system managed by the Consumer Council of India and backed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.

2. Registration: To lodge a complaint, a consumer needs to register on the aforementioned website.

3. The online form with name, contact details, and email should be filled.

4. The user id and password of the complainant will then be created.

5. Lodging a complaint: the complaint can be registered against any registered brand with the consumer department. The complaint system has a dropdown menu of the sectors, segments and brands which include all the brands registered under the Department of Consumer Affairs.

6. What to write in the complaint: The nature of the complaint, the names of the people involved, along with the nature of the relief sought should also be attached to the complaint.

7. Once the complaint is submitted, the complaints are assigned and a complaint number is electronically generated. This can be used to track the status of the complaint.

8. The complaints can be filed in both Hindi and English.
   

Conclusion:

It is the responsibility of the consumers to stay updated and aware of their rights and responsibilities and this was my attempt to spread the word so that the public at large could benefit!

About Author:

The author is an Advocate practicing before the High Court of Judicature at Madhya Pradesh and the District & Session's Court, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.