Step 1: Send a legal notice first
Write to the company stating clearly: the defect or service failure, the amount you paid, what you want (refund, replacement, or compensation), and a 15-30 day deadline to respond. Send it by registered post and email, and keep proof of delivery.
Step 2: Wait 15-30 days
Give the company a genuine chance to resolve it. If they ignore you, reject the claim, or reply unsatisfactorily, that response — or lack of one — becomes part of your complaint.
Step 3: Choose the right forum
| Claim amount | Forum |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹50 lakh | District Consumer Commission (DCDRC) |
| ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore | State Commission (SCDRC) |
| Above ₹2 crore | National Commission (NCDRC) |
These thresholds follow the Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction) Rules, 2021 notification, upheld by the Supreme Court.
File where you live or where you bought the product — whichever is more convenient.
Step 4: File online on eDaakhil
Go to edaakhil.nic.in, register as a complainant, fill in the complaint form, and upload your documents. The filing fee scales with your claim: free up to ₹5 lakh, ₹200 for ₹5-10 lakh, ₹400 for ₹10-20 lakh, ₹1,000 for ₹20-50 lakh, ₹2,000 for ₹50 lakh-₹1 crore, and ₹2,500 for ₹1-2 crore. Submit and save your case number.
Step 5: Attend hearings
The commission notifies the company. You can appear in person at hearings without a lawyer. If the company doesn't respond, the commission can pass an ex-parte order in your favour.
Documents you'll need
- Purchase invoice or receipt
- Photos of the defective product or evidence of service failure
- Copy of your legal notice, plus proof of delivery (courier receipt or email)
- The company's reply to your notice, if any
- ID proof (Aadhaar or similar)