Consumer Courts in India – What You Need to Know to File for Free

If you bought a product that broke down or a service that wasn’t delivered, you’ve probably wondered whether you can take the seller to court without spending a fortune. The good news is that India’s consumer courts are designed to be low‑cost and user‑friendly. Most complaints cost nothing, but a few situations do involve a small fee. Below we break down the basics, the fee structure, and how to file a complaint in plain language.

When Is a Consumer Court Case Free?

Consumer courts are free for most individual complainants when the claim amount is up to ₹1 lakh. The court treats you as a “consumer” and does not charge any filing fee. Even if your claim is higher, the fee is minimal – usually a percentage of the claim or a fixed amount set by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The key point is that you don’t need a lawyer to file; you can submit the form yourself.

To qualify as a consumer, you must have purchased a goods or service for personal use, not for business. The product or service should be defective, deficient, or not delivered as promised. Keep your purchase receipt, warranty card, and any communication with the seller – they’ll be your evidence.

Step‑by‑Step: Filing a Consumer Complaint

1. Identify the right forum. Small claims (up to ₹20 lakh) go to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum. Bigger claims go to the State Commission, and national‑level disputes go to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

2. Draft a simple complaint. Include your name, address, the seller’s details, a brief description of the problem, the amount you’re claiming, and the relief you want (refund, replacement, compensation). Don’t overcomplicate – clear facts win.

3. Attach evidence. Upload scanned copies of invoices, emails, photos of the defect, and any chat logs. The more concrete proof you have, the smoother the process.

4. Pay the fee (if any). For claims above ₹1 lakh, the fee is a nominal amount – often ₹100‑₹500. You can pay online through the consumer court portal or at the court office.

5. Submit the application. You can file in person, by post, or through the e‑complaint portal (if your state offers it). After submission, the court will issue a notice to the seller, who must respond within 30 days.

Once the hearing is scheduled, you’ll get a date to appear. Bring all original documents and be ready to answer questions briefly. The court will aim for a quick resolution – many cases settle within a few months.

Need help with a specific case? Check out our related articles: “Is Consumer Court Free in India?” explains the fee myth, and “How to Calculate Damages in a Lawsuit” helps you decide the amount to claim. With the right preparation, you can use consumer courts to get justice without breaking the bank.