Procedure to File a Complaint

One of the biggest practical advantages of this machinery over an ordinary civil court is the simplicity of its procedure. A consumer does not need to draft a formal court plaint in technical legal language, and does not need to engage a lawyer, although they are free to do so if they wish.

The broad procedure is as follows:

1. Written complaint — the complaint is made in writing (some jurisdictions also allow electronic filing), addressed to the appropriate District, State, or National body depending on the value of the claim and territorial jurisdiction.
2. Statement of facts and relief sought — the complaint should clearly state what was bought or what service was availed, what went wrong (the defect, deficiency, or unfair practice), and what relief the complainant wants (replacement, refund, compensation, and so on).
3. Supporting documents — copies of the bill/invoice, warranty card, correspondence with the seller, or any other evidence of the transaction and the grievance should be attached, since these documents are central to proving the complaint.
4. Minimal or no filing fee — filing a complaint before these bodies typically involves no court fee, or only a small nominal fee depending on the value of the claim — nowhere close to the cost of filing a regular civil suit.
5. No lawyer required — a consumer can appear in person and argue their own case; legal representation is optional, not mandatory, which keeps the process accessible to an ordinary person.
6. Notice to the opposite party — once the complaint is admitted, the redressal body issues notice to the seller/service provider (the opposite party) to respond and present their side.
7. Hearing and evidence — both sides are given an opportunity to be heard, and the body examines the documents and submissions before arriving at a decision.
8. Order — the body passes a reasoned order granting or rejecting the relief sought, and, if granted, specifies the exact remedy. …