What is the limitation period for filing a consumer complaint?

Question

The defect in my purchased goods happened over a year ago. Am I still within time to file a consumer complaint? I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

What is the limitation period for filing a consumer complaint? is governed in India primarily by Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 69 and Limitation Act 1963, Section 5. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

Section 69(1) requires a consumer complaint to be filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action arose.

The 'cause of action' is usually the date of discovery of the defect or deficiency, not necessarily the date of purchase, especially for latent defects.

Section 69(2) allows the Commission to condone delay beyond two years if sufficient cause is shown through a separate application supported by an affidavit.

Continuing wrongs, such as a builder's ongoing failure to deliver possession, may give rise to a fresh cause of action each time, extending the effective limitation.

Filing without an application for condonation of delay, where the complaint is time-barred on its face, risks outright dismissal on this technical ground.

What to do next: 1) Identify the exact date when you discovered the defect or deficiency, not just the purchase date; 2) If more than two years have passed, prepare a condonation of delay application with reasons and supporting affidavit; 3) File the complaint along with the delay application simultaneously; 4) Gather documents proving when the cause of action actually arose or continued.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 69 carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.