Consumer Court in India – What’s Free, What Costs and How to File

Ever bought something that turned out to be a dud and wondered if you could take the seller to court without paying a rupee? You’re not alone. Many shoppers think the Consumer Court is a free‑for‑all arena, but the reality is a bit messier. Below we break down exactly when you pay, when you don’t, and the quickest way to get your complaint heard.

When are court fees charged?

The short answer: small claims are usually free, bigger claims can cost you a little. If your dispute is for up to ₹20,000, you can file in a District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (D‑CDRF) without paying any court fee. The law calls this the “free‑of‑charge” limit, and it’s meant to encourage everyday buyers to speak up.

Once the amount crosses the ₹20,000 threshold, the fee structure kicks in. For claims between ₹20,001 and ₹1 lakh, you pay around 1% of the claimed amount. Between ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakh, the fee rises to about 0.5%, and for anything above ₹5 lakh, it’s roughly 0.25% of the claim. These numbers are guidelines; each state may have a slight variation, but the principle stays the same.

Another hidden cost is the “stamp duty” on the complaint form. Most states levy a nominal stamp fee of ₹5‑₹10, which you can buy at any post office. It’s tiny, but don’t skip it – the court will reject an unstamped petition.

Step‑by‑step filing guide

Ready to file? Follow these five steps, and you’ll be ready to hit “submit” in less than an hour.

1. Gather evidence. Pull together receipts, emails, warranties, photographs, and any communication with the seller. The more you attach, the stronger your case.

2. Choose the right forum. If the transaction value is up to ₹20,000, go to the District forum. Between ₹20,001‑₹1 lakh, use the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (S‑CDRC). Above that, the National Commission (N‑CDRC) handles it.

3. Draft the complaint. Keep it short: state who you are, who the seller is, what you bought, the problem, and the compensation you seek. Use the standard “Form‑1” prescribed by the Consumer Protection Act – you can download it from the state consumer helpline website.

4. Pay the fee (if any) and stamp duty. For free claims, just attach the stamp. For paid claims, visit the nearest district court treasurer, hand over the fee receipt, and get the official receipt back.

5. Submit and get a hearing date. Hand the complete packet to the court clerk. You’ll receive an acknowledgment number and a provisional hearing date. The court will notify the opposite party, and you’ll get a copy of the notice.

Tip: If the seller is a big corporation, they usually have a consumer grievance cell. Filing there first can sometimes settle the issue without ever stepping into a courtroom, saving you time and paperwork.

Bottom line: Consumer Court isn’t always completely free, but the cost is minimal for most everyday disputes. Knowing the fee brackets, stamping your form, and following the simple filing steps will let you protect your rights without breaking the bank. Got a complaint? Grab your receipts and start the process – the law is on your side.