Consumer Disputes
Consumer Dispute Advocate in Ghaziabad.
A consumer dispute arises when goods are defective, a service is deficient, or a business engages in unfair trade practices, resolved before the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions rather than regular civil courts. Vijay Kumar Sahlot & Associates represents both consumers and businesses before the District, State and National Commissions.
What We Handle
What falls under consumer disputes.
Consumer disputes are governed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which created a faster, less formal forum than ordinary civil litigation. Our practice covers:
Defective Goods
Manufacturing defects, non-delivery and warranty disputes over purchased products.
Deficiency in Service
Claims against banks, insurers, builders, airlines, hospitals and other service providers.
Unfair Trade Practices
Misleading advertisements, false representations and deceptive sales practices.
Real Estate Complaints
Delayed possession, construction defects and disputes with builders and developers.
Jurisdiction
Which commission handles your claim.
Jurisdiction is based on the value of goods or services paid for, as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
| Commission | Claim Value |
|---|---|
| District Commission | Up to ₹50 lakh |
| State Commission | ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore |
| National Commission | Above ₹2 crore |
You may file at the commission having jurisdiction where you reside or work, or where the opposite party carries on business, whichever is more convenient.
The Process
How a consumer complaint proceeds.
Notice to the opposite party
Sending a notice or complaint to the seller or service provider first is advisable, though not always mandatory, and can support a faster resolution.
Filing the complaint
The complaint is filed before the appropriate commission along with supporting documents, including bills, warranty cards, correspondence and evidence of the defect or deficiency.
Admission and notice to opposite party
The commission admits the complaint and issues notice to the opposite party to respond within a set timeframe.
Evidence and hearing
Both sides submit evidence and the parties are heard. Proceedings are less formal than regular civil trials.
Order
The commission passes its order, which can include refund, replacement, repair or compensation. Orders can be appealed to the next-higher commission.
Have a consumer complaint?
Describe your situation and we'll point you to the right person.
Common Questions
Consumer dispute questions.
Jurisdiction depends on the value of goods or services paid for. District Commissions handle claims up to ₹50 lakh, State Commissions between ₹50 lakh and ₹2 crore, and the National Commission above ₹2 crore. You can file where you reside or where the opposite party does business.
Generally within 2 years from the date the cause of action arose, such as the date of purchase or when the deficiency became known. The commission can condone delay for sufficient reason, at its discretion.
No, consumer forums are designed for individuals to file complaints without a lawyer. That said, an advocate can help draft the complaint correctly, gather the right evidence, and represent you effectively, especially against a well-represented business.
You can claim a refund, replacement or repair of defective goods, compensation for loss or injury caused by the deficiency, and litigation costs. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases involving unfair trade practices or gross negligence.
The law envisages disposal within 3 to 5 months for cases not requiring testing of goods, and 5 to 6 months where testing is needed. In practice this varies by commission caseload, but consumer cases are generally faster than regular civil suits.