Consumer Complaint

 

🛡️ How to File a Consumer Complaint in India – A Simple Guide for Veterans

If you’ve bought something that didn’t work properly, received poor service, or were charged unfairly, you have the right to raise a complaint. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 helps people in India—including veterans—get justice when companies or service providers don’t treat them fairly.

What Is a Consumer Complaint?

A consumer complaint means you’re telling the authorities that a product or service was faulty, delayed, overpriced, or misleading. For example, if a washing machine stops working within a week or a travel company doesn’t refund your cancelled ticket, you can file a complaint.

Steps to File a Complaint

1. Keep Your Proofs Ready Save your bill, warranty card, photos, emails, or chat messages related to the issue.

2. Send a Legal Notice First Write to the seller or company and give them 15–30 days to fix the problem or respond.

3. Choose the Right Forum Depending on how much money is involved:

   • Up to ₹50 lakh: Go to District Commission

   • ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore: Go to State Commission

   • Above ₹2 crore: Go to National Commission

4. File Your Complaint Online or Offline You can file it online at or visit the nearest consumer court.

5. Pay a Small Fee The fee is usually between ₹100 and ₹5,000 depending on your claim amount.

6. Track Your Case After filing, you’ll get a docket number. You can use it to check updates online or through SMS.

What to Write in Your Complaint

• Your name, address, and contact details

• What product or service caused the problem

• What went wrong and what you want as compensation

• Copies of all your proofs

Special Tip for Veterans

If you’re a retired defence personnel, mention it clearly in your complaint. Some consumer courts give priority to senior citizens and veterans. feel free to write to sainik.darpan@gmail.com

📞 Use the National Consumer Helpline: Call 1915 or visit for assistance.

https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/

Brief - Complaint in Criminal Procedure Code 1973

 In the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973, a complaint plays a crucial role in initiating criminal proceedings for certain offenses. Here's a breakdown of the key points about complaints:

Distinction from FIR:

• The CrPC differentiates between FIRs (First Information Reports) and complaints.
• FIRs are typically filed for cognizable offenses, where the police have the authority to arrest without a warrant. They are mandatory for the police to register upon receiving information about the offense.
• Complaints, on the other hand, are used for non-cognizable offenses. These are offenses where the police cannot arrest without a warrant or court order. Additionally, complaints can also be used for cognizable offenses if the informant chooses not to file an FIR or the police refuse to register one.

Who Can File a Complaint?

• A complaint can be filed by the victim of the offense, their legal representative, or any other person who has knowledge of the offense.

How is a Complaint Filed?

• A complaint can be submitted in writing to a magistrate (judicial officer) or a police officer.

Content of a Complaint:

• Similar to an FIR, a complaint should include details like:
  • The name and address of the complainant.
  • The date, time, and location of the incident.
  • A description of the offense committed.
  • Names and descriptions of suspects (if known).
  • Any other relevant information about the crime.
  • In some cases, supporting evidence (witnesses, documents) might be attached.

Procedure after Complaint:

• Upon receiving a complaint, the magistrate can either:
  • Dismiss the complaint if it appears frivolous or false.
  • Order an investigation into the alleged offense by the police.
  • Issue summons or a warrant for the appearance of the accused before the court.

Importance of Complaints:

• Complaints are essential for bringing non-cognizable offenses to the attention of the court and initiating legal proceedings.
• They can also be used as a backup option if the police are reluctant to register an FIR for a cognizable offense.

Additional Notes:

• The format for complaints may vary depending on the court's practice. It's advisable to consult with a lawyer for guidance on drafting a proper complaint.
• Filing a false complaint is a punishable offense.

In essence, complaints under the CrPC offer a mechanism for pursuing criminal charges for non-cognizable offenses and serve as an alternative option for cognizable offenses when FIR registration is not pursued.