📋 Structure of Consumer Complaint
- Cause Title: Names of complainant and opposite parties
- Introduction: Consumer relationship description
- Facts: Chronological narration of events
- Deficiency/UTP: Legal grounds for complaint
- Loss: Quantification of harm
- Cause of Action: When it arose
- Jurisdiction: Why this Commission
- Limitation: Within 2 years statement
- Relief/Prayer: Specific reliefs sought
- Documents: Evidence list
- Verification: Sworn statement
📄 Sample Complaint — Banking Cyber Fraud
BEFORE THE DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION
AT [CITY], [STATE]
CONSUMER COMPLAINT NO. ______ OF 2025
[NAME OF COMPLAINANT]
S/o [Father's Name], R/o [Address]
Mobile: [Number] | Email: [Email]
... COMPLAINANT
VERSUS
1. [BANK NAME]
Through Branch Manager, [Branch Address]
2. [BANK NAME]
Through Nodal Officer, [Head Office]
... OPPOSITE PARTIES
COMPLAINT UNDER SECTION 35 OF CPA, 2019
1. INTRODUCTION
The Complainant is a "Consumer" under Section 2(7) of CPA 2019, maintaining Savings Account No. [XXX] with the Bank.
2. FACTS
2.1 Complainant is customer since [DATE] with Internet Banking.
2.2 On [DATE] at [TIME], unauthorized transactions:
(a) ₹[Amount] to A/c [XXX] - [Time]
(b) ₹[Amount] to A/c [XXX] - [Time]
Total: ₹[AMOUNT]
2.3 Complainant did NOT share OTP/PIN/password.
2.4 Immediately reported:
- Customer care at [TIME]
- Branch complaint on [DATE]
- FIR No. [XXX] at [PS]
- cybercrime.gov.in Ack. No. [XXX]
2.5 Bank failed to block transactions, initiate chargeback, freeze recipient accounts.
3. DEFICIENCY IN SERVICE
3.1 Bank liable under Section 2(11) CPA 2019 for:
- Failed security measures
- No alert for new beneficiary
- No prompt action on complaint
3.2 Per RBI Circular 06.07.2017, Complainant's liability is ZERO.
4. LOSS: Principal ₹[Amount] + Mental agony + Time lost
5. CAUSE OF ACTION: Arose on [DATE], continues till date.
6. JURISDICTION: Value under ₹50L; Branch in this district.
7. LIMITATION: Within 2 years of cause of action.
8. PRAYER:
(a) Refund of ₹[Amount]
(b) Interest @ 12% p.a. from [Date]
(c) ₹[Amount] for mental agony
(d) ₹[Amount] litigation costs
(e) Any other relief deemed fit.
9. DOCUMENTS: [List attached]
VERIFICATION
I verify contents are true to my knowledge.
Verified at [Place] on [Date].
[SIGNATURE]
COMPLAINANT
📁 Essential Documents
✅ For Banking Fraud
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Transaction alerts (SMS/email)
- Bank complaint acknowledgment
- FIR copy
- Cybercrime portal acknowledgment
- Email correspondence with bank
- ID & address proof
✅ For E-Commerce/EdTech
- Order confirmation/invoice
- Product listing screenshots
- Payment proof
- Product photos (if defective)
- Refund request & denial
- Chat/email with platform
💻 E-Filing via E-Daakhil
Steps
- Register at edaakhil.nic.in
- Login → Select "File New Complaint"
- Choose Commission (District/State/National)
- Fill complainant & opposite party details
- Upload complaint & documents (PDF)
- Pay fees online
- Submit → Get acknowledgment
- Track status & attend VC hearings
💰 Court Fees (District Commission)
| Claim Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹5 Lakhs | ₹200 |
| ₹5L to ₹10 Lakhs | ₹400 |
| ₹10L to ₹20 Lakhs | ₹500 |
| ₹20L to ₹50 Lakhs | ₹2,000 |
Fees are nominal — consumer-friendly!
⚠️ Common Drafting Mistakes
Avoid These Errors
- Vague facts — be specific with dates, times, amounts
- Missing documents — attach all supporting evidence
- Wrong jurisdiction — check pecuniary limits
- Delay in filing — stay within 2-year limitation
- No verification — complaint may be rejected
- Exaggerated claims — stick to provable losses
- Wrong opposite party — name correct legal entity
✅ Best Practices
- Report fraud immediately — document everything
- Keep copies of all communications
- File FIR before consumer complaint
- Cite RBI guidelines for bank cases
- Request specific, quantified relief
- Attach only relevant documents (indexed)
- Follow up on e-filed complaints regularly
📝 Part 9.7 Quiz
Q1: Consumer complaint must include:
Q2: Court fee for DC complaint up to ₹5 Lakhs:
Q3: E-Daakhil portal URL is:
Q4: For cyber fraud complaint, first step should be:
Q5: Appeal time limit from DC order:
Q6: Appeal from District Commission lies to:
Q7: Advantage of consumer forum over criminal court:
Q8: For banking fraud complaint, essential document is:
Q9: Verification in consumer complaint is:
Q10: Common drafting mistake to avoid: