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Receiving a defective product or faulty service can truly lead to a lot of damage and emotional stress. Consumers have a right to receive exactly what they paid for, and reliable sellers or service providers have a duty to provide the best possible offerings. If the provider breaches the duty, they are held liable for the loss or stress a consumer faces due to the product or service provider’s negligence. 

In India, the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 provides relief to consumers who have faced such a situation. The legislation has two primary roles:

Firstly, it provides all consumers with the right to file consumer complaint online or at the designated authorities and seek redressal for their grievances. 

Secondly, consumers can claim adequate compensation from the other party due to loss or legal injury that they incurred due to the negligence of the seller or the provider. 

The introduction of an online complaints mechanism has made this process easy. This mechanism allows consumers to lodge complaints online for seamless grievance redressal. 


Process of Filing Complaints Online

 

If you have complaints against a provider or seller due to the quality of the product or service they offered or because they violated other terms and conditions leading to specific breaches, you can approach the consumer court. The consumer court has jurisdiction over such matters. You can provide the court with relevant documentation and file your complaint. This process, however, is time-consuming. Instead, you can file an online legal India consumer complaint in these easy steps:

 

Step 1: Go to the Webpage

 

The Consumer Online Resource and Empowerment Centre is the website to visit to file your complaint and start the grievance redressal process. The website (https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/) is managed by the Consumer Coordination Council of the Indian Government, which falls under the Department of Consumer Affairs. 

 

Step 2: Register on the Platform 

 

Consumers must register on the webpage to create an account. To complete the online registration form, insert your name, email address, and contact details like your phone number. After filling in the details, you will receive a confirmation with your user ID and password. 

 

Step 3: Lodge Your Complaint

 

You can file a complaint online against any registered trademark holder or service provider. You can choose from the dropdown menu, which enlists various sectors and brands. These brands are registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs, and you can file a complaint against them by clicking on their name. 

 

Step 4: Information Required

 

To file an online consumer complaint, you would require the names of both parties involved in the case, their respective contact details, and some details about your complaint. Along with this information, you can also mention the repercussions you faced due to the breach and the form of redressal you’re seeking. 

 

Step 5: Complaint Status

 

After submitting the complaint, you will be assigned a number, which you can use to track its progress until you receive adequate redressal for the matter. 

 

Reliefs That A Consumer Can Seek Post Filing The Complaint

 

The consumer complaint forum, which would handle your case, can provide you with one or more relief measures available under Indian law. Depending on the facts, nature, and circumstances of the case, you can seek the following reliefs:

  1. Removal of defects from the goods: The seller will correct the defective goods and make them as promised. 
  2. Replacement of goods: The seller will replace the defective goods with new and original goods that were promised. 
  3. Refund of the purchase money: The seller will issue a refund.
  4. Compensation: You will receive compensation for any losses due to the seller's negligence. 
  5. Proceeding costs: Costs of such proceedings can also be claimed by consumers.
  6. Removal of deficiencies: The seller can offer to remove the deficiencies from the service provided.
  7. Eliminating unfair practices: Stop the seller or the service provider from continuing unfair trade practices. 

 

Conclusion

 

It is important for consumers to understand their rights under the consumer protection law to ensure they are not exploited by sellers and service providers. Being aware of the consumer complaints process and protection measures can help you claim your rights effectively.