📋 Structure of Consumer Complaint

  1. Cause Title: Names of complainant and opposite parties
  2. Introduction: Consumer relationship description
  3. Facts: Chronological narration of events
  4. Deficiency/UTP: Legal grounds for complaint
  5. Loss: Quantification of harm
  6. Cause of Action: When it arose
  7. Jurisdiction: Why this Commission
  8. Limitation: Within 2 years statement
  9. Relief/Prayer: Specific reliefs sought
  10. Documents: Evidence list
  11. 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

  1. Register at edaakhil.nic.in
  2. Login → Select "File New Complaint"
  3. Choose Commission (District/State/National)
  4. Fill complainant & opposite party details
  5. Upload complaint & documents (PDF)
  6. Pay fees online
  7. Submit → Get acknowledgment
  8. Track status & attend VC hearings

💰 Court Fees (District Commission)

Claim ValueFee
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: