FILING COMPLAINTS IN CONSUMER FORUM Who can file a consumer complaint?
According to section 2(1)(d) a consumer is a person who
buys goods or services for consideration which may be partly or fully paid or partly or fully promised. Apart from the consumer following persons and entities can also file complaint: i. Voluntary consumer association ii. Central or state government PROCEDURE FOR FILING COMPLAINTS IN CONSUMER FORUMS:
STEP 1: The complaint can be made on simple paper ,
stamp paper is not necessary for it. STEP 2: Following things needs to be mentioned in complaint by the consumer:
Name and complete details of complainant and
opposite party or parties. Date and time of purchase of goods or services and amount paid for them. Particulars of dispute; like defect in goods or services or quality of services etc. Particulars of goods purchased with numbers or details of services availed. Particulars of relief sought in the complaint.
Copies of all those documents can be attached . And the
copy of bills of goods bought or service availed, warranty receipt. STEP 3:The compensation claimed should be specified in the complaint and along with it consumer can also ask for refunds, damages etc. STEP 4: The statement of jurisdiction should be made in the complaint as to how the case falls within the jurisdiction of consumer forum. STEP 5: A verification affidavit should be affixed with the complaint stating that all the facts and claims made in the complaint are true and correct. STEP 6: At the end of complaint the signature should be put. The consumer may argue his case on his own or through his authorized representative. The complaint made with district forum or state commission needs to be filed in three sets and when made with national commission needs to be filed in four sets for each opposite party. STEP 7: The complaint has to be filed with within two years from the date on which the cause of action arose. In case of delay sufficient reasons has to be given to the forum so it may allow the complaint to be filed. CONCLUSION: The consumers need to become more aware about their rights and need to stand up against malpractices done by traders. THANK YOU