Consumer Court Complaint Online: File on e-Jagriti, Step by Step

You can file a consumer court complaint online from home, and the process is simpler than most people expect. Complaints go through the e-Jagriti portal, which is the earlier e-Daakhil renamed. This guide covers which commission to approach, the documents to keep and the steps to follow. However, it is general information, not legal advice.

Before you file a consumer court complaint online

First, confirm that you have a valid issue. Typical examples are defective goods, deficiency in service or an unfair trade practice. You must also be a consumer under the Act, so a purchase for resale usually does not qualify.

Next, try to settle it directly. A written complaint to the seller or provider, or a call to the National Consumer Helpline, creates a record. In fact, a legal explainer from Sansa Legal says commissions view a written notice favourably. Our guide to a consumer complaint on WhatsApp is a good first step.

Which commission to approach

The commission depends on the value of your claim. As the same guide explains, the District Commission hears claims up to ₹50 lakh. The State Commission handles claims above that, up to ₹2 crore, and the National Commission handles anything higher.

Jurisdiction also matters, because it depends on where the other party lives or does business, or where the cause of action arose.

Step by step on e-Jagriti

1. Register on the e-Jagriti portal with your name, mobile number, email and address. Confirm with the one-time password.
2. Choose the right commission by claim value and location.
3. Fill in the form with the parties’ details, a dated account of what happened, the loss and the relief you want.
4. Upload your documents as clear, labelled PDFs.
5. Pay the fee online, if any applies, using net banking, UPI or card.
6. Submit the complaint and note the complaint number.
7. Track the case on the portal using that number.

The portal’s earlier name was e-Daakhil, and Vikaspedia describes e-Jagriti as its successor, run by the National Commission. Fee slabs can change, so confirm the amount on the portal before you pay.

Documents worth keeping

• Purchase invoice or receipt.
• Warranty card, if there is one.
• Emails, chats and letters with the seller.
• Photos or videos of the defect.
• Payment proof, such as a bank statement or UPI record.
• Details of any earlier complaint, including to the helpline.

Also keep the originals safe, because hearings may ask for them. So scan everything once, and then store the files in a single folder. That way, you can upload quickly and find a document when the commission asks for it.

Deadlines and what to expect next

However, the limit is two years from the date the cause of action arises. Late filings need an application to condone the delay. So do not wait. After you file, the commission issues a notice, and the other party typically gets about 30 days to respond, according to the guide.

Meanwhile, keep your evidence organised and respond promptly to any date given on the portal. If your claim is large or complex, a lawyer can advise you on strategy.

Common mistakes

• Filing in the wrong commission because the claim value was misjudged.
• Uploading blurry or unlabelled documents.
• Skipping the written notice to the seller.
• Waiting beyond two years.

FAQ

Is e-Daakhil still used for consumer complaints?

So the portal is now called e-Jagriti, and it is described as the successor to e-Daakhil. File through e-Jagriti.

Do I need a lawyer to file a consumer complaint?

The online form can be filled in by you, so a lawyer is not compulsory. However, for high value or complicated cases, getting legal advice is sensible.

How long do I have to file a consumer complaint?

Two years from the date the cause of action arises. After that, you need to request the delay be condoned.