In 2019 , a new act introduces the option “online submission” complaints of consumers to dispose of a fast case. Consumer complaints institutions occur in the same way as mentioned above, but everything is done online: a consumer is the backbone of the Indian economy by buying goods and services provided to them; Therefore, it is necessary to protect their interests. This is the right of consumers to accept standard quality products. But in certain situations, these consumers are victims of lack of in-depth goods and services. Thus a consumer court was established under consumer protection law, 1986 to provide appropriate and effective disputes associated with consumers. The Consumer Court formed at three levels: the district level, state and national, depending on the monetary assessment set by law.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019, received the President’s approval on August 9, 2019, and came into force since July 20, 2020, replacing the Lama Consumer Protection Law, 1986. To dispose of rapid and effective consumer cases, new laws were introduced online Submission of complaints and meditation processes.
Who can file a complaint in the Consumer Court?
A consumer [people who have bought goods or have used several services for personal use only in exchange for money] The voluntary consumer association of each registered association under the Company Law, 1956, or under other laws
One or more consumers who have the same interest
In the case of a consumer’s death, the legal heir or representative.
Central or state government
Procedure for filing complaints in the Consumer Court
Step 1: Intimacy Through Notifications
It is recommended for those who disadvantaged to send notifications to the opposite party before submitting a complaint to communicate the intention of the complainant about deficiencies in service or defects in the goods. This notice is trying to resolve disputes without approaching the court, i.e., if the opposite party is willing to offer a drug for damage caused.
Step 2: Consumer Complaints Design
If the opposite party does not provide drugs, then formal complaints are submitted under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This step can even be done without lawyers. These details must be determined in official complaints:
Step 3: Attach relevant documents
All relevant documents and evidence of material that supports this case must be attached. These documents can include:
Shipping receipts, copies of bills, warranty certificates / collateral, online ordering records of goods purchased, packaging of a product, copy of written complaints and notifications sent to the seller / producer.
Step 4: The appropriate forum
Determine the forum in accordance with the jurisdiction of money to submit a complaint, which is expected to refer to the total assessment of goods and services set by law.
Step 5: Court costs
The necessary court costs must be paid together with the complaint submitted depending on the forum. This fee depends on the value of goods purchased and the amount of compensation is sought.
Step 6: Send affidavit
The complainant must also submit a written statement in the Consumer Court. Affidavit must include the facts presented and the statements made by consumers according to their knowledge.
How to approach the consumer forum?
How do you approach the district consumer forum?
Here, complaints can be done on plain notary paper and can be submitted by a complainant or official agent. The complainant needs to submit four additional copies for each party. The court fee needed is nil for people who hold the Anna Yojana card for assessment according to 1 lakh and in another case is Rs. 100. Court costs are Rs 200 for suites that are valued up to 5 lakh, Rs 400 for suitable suit up to 10 lakh, and RS. 500 for a value of up to RS 20 lakh. This fee must be submitted through a draft request to the President, consumer dispute over the recovery forum (name) of the district.
How do you approach the country consumer forum?
Here, complaints must be submitted, decide on the boundary of the money that is determined by the law. Court costs are Rs 2, 000 for complaints that are valued between RS 20 Lakh and Rs 50 Lakh and are Rs 4, 000 for the value of up to RS 1 Crore. This fee is paid through a draft request that supports the registrant, (name) which is paid by the State Commission in certain countries.
How do you approach the National Consumer Forum?
Here, the complainant can submit a direct complaint, if it is in the jurisdiction of money or appeal from the order of the State Forum within 30 days after the order. The costs needed to file complaints are Rs 5, 000, and draft requests must be made on behalf of the registrar, national consumer disputes, but there are no fees needed to appeal to the state or national.
The complainant can approach the Supreme Court on the National Forum Order within a period of 30 days after passing orders.
“Online Submission” Consumer Complaints
2019 new action introduces the option “online submission” complaints of consumers to dispose of a fast case. Consumer complaints institutions occur in the same way as mentioned above, but everything is done online:
Step 1: Issuance of Notification
This notice was sent to the opposite party before filing a formal complaint.
Step 2: Determine jurisdiction
Need to file complaints in financial and territorial jurisdictions.
Step 3: Submission of Complaints
The complainant can register complaints at
Click Here
Here, complaints can be submitted in writing or online. The complainant will receive the login credentials and then submit a complaint by submitting all the required details. He can even submit through the NCH cellular application, umang or consumer application.
Costs for complaints can be submitted through online payment portals.
Step 4: Fill in Complaints
Complaints must contain all the necessary information attaching relevant documents as discussed above.
Step 5: Limit for filing complaints / appeals
The complainant must submit a complaint before the District Commission within two years from the date of the dispute. Appeal must be submitted in forty-five days from the date of the Order of the District Commission before the State Commission. Furthermore, the appeal to the National Commission must be made within thirty days from the date of order from the forum below.
Mediation process
In 2019 new act introduce alternative dispute settlement mechanisms for rapid and effective redressal consumer cases.
The initiation of the mediation process can be done if the Commission is convinced that there is a possibility of resolving disputes, it can be sent to mediation cells. This request can be made for the District Commission, state or national which mentions the nature of disputes, the details of the parties involved, the number of disputes, reliefs sorted and proposals for the appointment of mediators [qualifications, language, experience, etc.]
Conclusion
The Consumer Court has proven to be the best way to protect the interests of consumers and give them drugs by overcoming their complaints. This is a very cost-effective size and easy to file complaints compared to other litigation forms. Territorial jurisdiction plays an important role in deciding which district forums can be approached by consumers. The government has taken a big step quickly completing consumer complaints by introducing the form of complaints online through new actions 2019. During the pandemic, this online size can be proven to be a very friendly and productive procedure. The introduction of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms through the mediation process is a step towards the achievement of peaceful disputes between the parties involved, which will have a major impact on the service provider and consumers in the long run. Therefore, this resolution mechanism through mediation has saved parties from a long and boring procedure by helping them solve problems at the initial stage itself.
