Can I File Complaint Against Company in India? Your Consumer Rights Explained

Ever bought something online, got a rotten deal, and wondered—can I actually do something about it? In India, you absolutely can file a complaint against a company if you feel cheated, ignored, or given the runaround. This isn’t just for the big guys. Regular folks are taking action and getting results.

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 gives you a real shot at justice. Whether it’s a broken gadget, a bill full of hidden charges, or a service that never happened, the law has your back. You don’t need an army of lawyers. Most complaints these days are filed by people just like you—students, working professionals, retired folks—anyone who’s had enough.

Don’t fall for the myth that complaining is complicated or a waste of time. In fact, online portals and consumer helplines make the process way simpler than most people think. Ready to find out how? Let’s clear up who can file, where to go, and what actually happens once you hit that submit button.

• Who Can File a Complaint and When?
• Where and How to File Your Grievance
• What Happens After You File?
• Pro Tips to Boost Your Case

Who Can File a Complaint and When?

If you’ve spent money on a product or service and ended up disappointed, you may be able to file a complaint against a company in India. You don’t need to own a business or have any legal background. The rules are pretty consumer-friendly—any individual who buys goods or hires services for personal use is covered. Even people using the service with your permission, like family members, are considered consumers by law.

• Individuals who paid for a product/service.
• Your family members who use the goods or services you bought.
• Voluntary consumer groups or registered consumer associations (so, a society representing buyers can file too).
• Legal heirs if the consumer has passed away.
• Multiple consumers with the same complaint—the Act actually lets you team up and file as a group.

But what counts as a valid “complaint”? Anything that falls under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, like:

• Getting stuck with a faulty, unsafe, or fake product.
• Unfair charges or hidden fees in your bill.
• Terrible service or promises the company didn’t keep (like a gym that never gave you classes you paid for).
• Overcharging above what’s printed on packaging (yes, they legally can’t do that).
• Not getting a bill or cash memo after paying—this is your legal proof, and companies must provide it.

There’s a deadline, though. You need to file file complaint within two years from when the problem happened or you noticed the issue. Miss this window, and your case can get tossed out unless you have a really solid reason for the delay.

Here’s how the numbers look on who’s filing complaints in India:

If you’ve got your bill, proof of purchase, and it’s been less than two years, you’re probably clear to make your move.

Where and How to File Your Grievance

If you’re ready to file a complaint against a company in India, you’ve got a few practical routes. The good news? It isn’t rocket science anymore, thanks to digital options.

First, try to sort things out with the company itself. Drop an email or a WhatsApp message to their customer support. Keep proof—like chat screenshots or email copies. Sometimes, a direct nudge gets problems solved fast and keeps things simple.

If the company ignores you or gives silly excuses, it’s time to get serious. Head to the official National Consumer Helpline at consumerhelpline.gov.in. This site lets you file a complaint online, track the status, and even talk to someone if you get stuck. There's also a helpline number (1800-11-4000 or 1915) you can call if you prefer talking to a real person.

For big-ticket issues—think lots of money, repeated problems, or if the company drags its feet—you can file your issue directly with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (also known as ‘consumer court’). The whole system is split by how much money is at stake:

• Up to ₹50 lakh: District Commission
• ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore: State Commission
• Over ₹2 crore: National Commission

You don’t need a fancy lawyer for most complaints. Just fill out the forms (usually available at the commissions or online), gather your proof (bills, emails, photos), and submit everything with a small fee. Many people file these on their own or with minimal help from legal clinics—so don’t sweat if you’re not a legal pro.

Don’t forget, some states have their own portals too. For example, Delhi has edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in. But for most folks, the national portal works just fine and is recognized everywhere in India.

What Happens After You File?

Alright, you’ve hit submit—or dropped off your documents—against that company that messed things up. Now what? Here’s a look at what goes down once you’ve filed your consumer complaint in India.

First, your complaint lands in the hands of the local District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (a.k.a. consumer court) or the appropriate forum depending on your case’s value. Here’s how it actually unfolds:

1. The consumer forum checks if the complaint has all the basic stuff: your name, address, details of the issue, receipts, copies of all evidence, and so on.
2. If everything is in order, they officially register the case and send a notice to the company. The company usually gets 30 days to reply—but sometimes the forum gives them another 15 days, if needed.
3. The company’s response gets shared with you. If you want, you can send a counter-response.
4. Sometimes, the forum suggests both parties settle things through mediation. If not, your case moves to a hearing where both sides present their stories and evidence.
5. After hearing both sides, the forum makes a decision. If you win, they’ll order the company to make things right—like refunds, replacements, or even pay compensation for the trouble they caused.

The process is meant to be fast, but reality sometimes throws curveballs. Here’s a breakdown of average timelines, using government figures:

It’s worth knowing that a lot of cases actually settle before the final order, especially if the company just wants to avoid the hassle or bad press. You don’t have to show up with a lawyer—many people win without one. But if it’s a big amount or a tricky case, it never hurts to get expert help.

"Consumers are winning cases and getting compensated—sometimes even within 6 months. Persistence is the key," says Anupam Kumar, former Secretary at National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

If the company ignores the forum’s order, you can go back and ask for enforcement—sometimes this even lands the company in bigger trouble. So, when you file complaint against a company in India, the process really does have teeth if you follow through.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Case

If you really want your complaint to make an impact, there are some tried-and-tested tricks most folks miss out on. Solid paperwork and the right moves can turn a weak complaint into one the company can’t ignore.

• Document everything—save bills, warranty cards, receipts, texts, chats, and emails. Take photos of damaged items and screenshots of online transactions. Missing records is the top reason why cases flop in consumer courts.
• Send a written notice to the company before you file your complaint. The law doesn’t demand it, but judges in India love it if you show you tried to sort things out first. An email works, but registered post with delivery proof is even better.
• File your complaint within 2 years of the problem happening. Courts are strict with deadlines. More than half of dismissed complaints in 2023 were because people waited too long.
• Make it specific—don’t just say “bad service.” Spell out dates, amounts, what went wrong, and what you want in return. Clarity shakes companies up and makes it easier for the court to help you.
• Check if you can use the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) portal. It’s free, runs online 24/7, and claims to have resolved 5.2 lakh complaints in 2024 alone.

Bored of companies never replying? Here’s a quick look at what kind of evidence has real punch in Indian consumer courts:

One last thing—don’t lose hope if your first try goes nowhere. Lots of people get settlements after companies see you’re serious. If you ever feel stuck, approach a local NGO or even talk to someone who’s won a similar case on online forums—most are happy to help.