We all are a consumer at some point in time or another. Most of the time we have a satisfactory experience, but there are times when the goods or services that we avail are not up to the mark. Either the quality of the product is not good, or the seller charges us extra money for the product. Thus, it is seen that many times, the consumers are cheated by the traders.
To overcome all such problems and to protect the consumers, the Indian government came up with a whole new act keeping in mind the best interest of the consumers. The name of the act was the Consumer Protection Act which was enacted in 1986. The main aim of this act is to deal with all the consumer-related matters and their speedy disposal.
Who Is a Consumer under the Act?
Before pondering over the procedure of filing a consumer complaint, we must ask a basic question as to who can file a consumer complaint at the outset? The pertinent point which must be taken into consideration is that not everyone can file this complaint. As per the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, only a “Consumer” can file such a consumer complaint. Now, you all must be thinking who is a consumer then? The answer to this question is hidden under Section 2(1) (d) of this act. This section reads:-
“consumer” means any person who,—
(i) buys any goods for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment and includes any user of such goods other than the person who buys such goods for consideration paid or promised or partly paid or partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment, when such use is made with the approval of such person but does not include a person who obtains such goods for resale or for any commercial purpose; or
(ii) 12 [hires or avails of] any services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment and includes any beneficiary of such services other than the person who 12 [hires or avails of] the services for consideration paid or promised, or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment, when such services are availed of with the approval of the first-mentioned person 13 [but does not include a person who avails of such services for any commercial purpose];
The above definition of a consumer makes it an easy task to categorize a person in the ambient of the word “consumer”. Apart from the above-mentioned categorizations, there are few other persons or entities that can also fall under the category of the “consumers”. These are:-
- Central or State government
- A voluntary consumer association
- A group of consumers having the same or similar interest in the goods and services.
- If the actual/real consumer is dead, then his legal heirs and representatives.
Before directly jumping into the consumer court proceedings, it is advisable that as a consumer you should first give notice to the opposite party in which you should explain about either the defect in the product or about the extra money you have been charged or any other problems which you are facing.
You should wait for a reasonable time to see whether your notice is being answered or not. If the opposite party is ready to either replace your product or pay you the damages for the same, then there is no need to file a complaint against him. But if he turns a deaf ear to your notice, you can proceed forward with your complaint to be filed in your respective consumer forum under an appropriate jurisdiction.
What Is an Appropriate Jurisdiction?
A consumer forum, under which your complaint would be filed should have both the territorial as well as pecuniary jurisdiction. There are two points upon which the jurisdiction of a case depends.
a) The place where the opposite party, or if there is more than one opposite party, then at least one of the opposite parties should either reside or carries out their business.
b) The place where the cause of action arose.
How to File Consumer Complaint in India
Step 1: You can write your complaint on a normal paper. It is not necessary to submit the complaint on a stamp paper.
Step 2: The complaint should be a detailed one containing all the necessary facts for the establishment of the cause of action. For example, Name and complete details of both the complainant and the opposite party, particulars of the dispute, details of the product, details of the relief sought by you as a consumer, etc. It is important to attach the copies of all the relevant documents like a copy of the bills of the goods, warranty receipt, copy of the notice sent to the opposite party where you asked for the compensation.
Step 3: The claims made by you as a consumer should be specific and apart from the claimed compensation, you can also ask for refunds, damages, litigation expenditure, etc.
Step 4: There should be a proper explanation regarding the jurisdiction of the case . You are supposed to explain as to how your case if falling under that particular jurisdiction.
Step 5: To prove that all the facts and claims mentioned by you in your complaint are true, you are supposed to affix a verified affidavit along with your complaint.
Step 6: At last, your signature is mandatory. Being a consumer, you can either argue your own case or through an authorized representative. If you are filing your complaint under a district or state commission, you are required to file the complaint in 3 sets. But if your complaint is filed under the National commission, then 4 sets are required for the same.
Step 7: It is very important to keep in mind that the complaint must be filed within 2 years from the date on which the cause of action arose. If you are crossing this limit of 2 years, you are required to give a sufficient reason to the forum. Then it depends upon the discretion of the forum whether it will accept your complaint or not.
Conclusion
Being a consumer, it is very important for you to know your rights as well as duties. If you face any such malpractices of misconduct by the traders, sellers, you must stand against it. And the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is your weapon which you can use against any such harassment.
My 3 LIC policies matured in 2007,2008 and 2009 having monthly pension plan. From beginning payments were missed. I am fighting this case since then. LIC does not settle the matter. Complained to PM, FM, IRDA but LIC keeps giving fake reply and data of all payments made.My submitted bank statements are not even looked in to by LIC. nor matched with their own data.I have spent Rs.35000+ on pursuing my case for 15 years.
I am sr. citizen, single lady having health issues now.. How do I get justice?