The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 gives you six core rights against sellers and service providers, and a three-tier forum system, District, State, and National Commissions, to enforce them based on your claim value. Filing is designed to be accessible: through the e-Daakhil portal, without needing to physically appear at a consumer forum for most steps.
What rights does the Act actually give consumers?
Six core rights: protection against hazardous goods and services, the right to be informed about quality and price, assured access to a variety of goods at competitive prices, the right to be heard, the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, and the right to consumer education. The Act also created the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which can act proactively against companies, separate from individual consumer complaints.
Which forum should I file my complaint with?
| Forum | Claim value |
|---|---|
| District Commission | Up to ₹1 crore |
| State Commission | ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore |
| National Commission | Above ₹10 crore |
Jurisdiction is based on the combined value of the goods or services and the compensation you're claiming, not just the price you paid.
How do I actually file a complaint?
Through the e-Daakhil portal, the government's consolidated platform for consumer complaints, supporting online filing, digital document submission, online fee payment, and virtual hearings. You can generally file based on where you reside or conduct business, not where the seller is headquartered, which matters for online purchases from sellers based elsewhere in India.
What counts as an unfair trade practice?
Misleading advertisements, false representations about goods or services, and deceptive selling practices generally. This includes the specific "dark patterns" the CCPA has separately named and defined, false urgency, hidden charges revealed only at checkout, subscription traps, and others; see our full dark patterns guide for the complete list and how to file against them specifically.
Can I appeal if I lose?
Yes. Orders can be appealed up the chain, District Commission to State Commission, and State Commission to the National Commission, within a specified limitation period from the order. Don't delay if you intend to appeal; missing the window can cost you the right to challenge an unfavourable order at all.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What rights does the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 actually give me?
Six core rights: to be protected against hazardous goods and services, to be informed about quality and price, to be assured access to a variety of goods at competitive prices, to be heard, to seek redressal against unfair trade practices, and to consumer education. The Act also created the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to enforce these proactively, not just through individual complaints.
Which forum has jurisdiction over my complaint?
Based on the value of goods/services and compensation claimed: District Commissions handle claims up to ₹1 crore, State Commissions handle claims from ₹1 crore up to ₹10 crore, and the National Commission handles claims above ₹10 crore.
How do I file a complaint online?
Through the e-Daakhil portal, the government's consolidated platform supporting online filing, digital document submission, online fee payment, and virtual hearings, without needing to physically visit a consumer forum. You can generally file based on where you reside, not where the seller is located.
What counts as an 'unfair trade practice' under the Act?
Misleading advertisements, false representations about goods or services, and deceptive practices generally, including the specific 'dark patterns' the CCPA has separately named (false urgency, hidden charges, subscription traps, and others).
Can I appeal a District Commission's order?
Yes. Orders can be appealed up the chain, from District Commission to State Commission, and from State Commission to the National Commission, generally within a specified limitation period from the order, so don't delay if you intend to appeal.