Filing a consumer complaint in Coimbatore: which Commission, how, and by when

When a product turns out defective or a service falls short, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 offers a relatively quick and inexpensive remedy before the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. Here is what to know before you file.

Are you a consumer?

You are a consumer if you bought goods or hired services for a price, for your own use. Buying for resale or another commercial purpose generally falls outside the Act, but goods bought to earn a livelihood by self-employment are covered. Online purchases are covered in the same way as purchases in a shop.

Start with a legal notice

A legal notice is not compulsory before filing, but it is usually the right first step. It records the defect or deficiency, says what you want (repair, replacement, refund or compensation) and gives the other side a fair chance to put things right. Many disputes settle at this stage. If yours does not, the notice and any reply become part of your evidence. See what to put in a consumer legal notice.

Which Commission?

The forum depends on the value of the goods or services you paid for, not on the compensation you claim. Under the limits notified in December 2021:

• District Commission: up to ₹50 lakh
• State Commission: above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore
• National Commission: above ₹2 crore

In April 2025, the Supreme Court upheld this method of fixing jurisdiction by the consideration paid. For most household disputes, the right forum is the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, commonly called the consumer court or consumer forum. Residents of Coimbatore district file before the District Commission in Coimbatore.

Where you can file

You can file where the opposite party carries on business, where the cause of action arose, or where you live or personally work for gain. The last option, introduced by the 2019 Act, means a Coimbatore resident can usually file in Coimbatore even against a company based in another city.

Time limit

A complaint must normally be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose. The Commission can admit a later complaint if you show sufficient cause for the delay, but it is unwise to rely on that.

Filing online

Complaints can be filed online through the e-Jagriti portal, which replaced e-Daakhil in January 2025 and also accepts fee payments. See how to file on e-Jagriti. There is currently no filing fee where the value of goods or services is up to ₹5 lakh, and the fees above that are modest: see the full fee table.

Mediation is available

After a complaint is admitted, the Commission can refer the dispute to mediation if both sides agree and a settlement looks possible. A settlement reached in mediation is recorded in the Commission's order.

Keep these ready

• Bill, invoice or receipt
• Warranty or guarantee card, agreement or policy document
• Emails, chat messages and complaint reference numbers
• Photos or videos of the defect
• The legal notice and any reply