How much court fee do I need to pay to file a consumer complaint?

Question

I want to know the fee structure for filing a complaint before the consumer commission based on the value of my claim. I would rather settle this without going to court if the law allows it, but I need to know my rights before I sign anything. Please tell me what to do first and what document to keep.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

Under Indian law, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 34 is the starting point for this consumer law question. What follows is the position in substance, together with the steps that usually make the difference in practice.

Section 34 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 sets the pecuniary jurisdiction of the district commission up to one crore rupees, with proportionate fee payable depending on the claim value.

Regulation 14 of the Consumer Protection (Consumer Commission Procedure) Regulations 2020 lays down a graded fee schedule, and complaints up to five lakh rupees currently attract no fee at all.

For claims above five lakh rupees, the fee increases in slabs up to the pecuniary ceiling applicable to the district, state or national commission respectively.

Section 35(2) of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 requires the complaint to be accompanied by the prescribed fee, and the commission can direct payment of the correct fee if it is deficient.

The fee is generally payable by demand draft or through the online e-Daakhil portal at the time of filing, and is non-refundable even if the complaint is dismissed.

In practice, in this order: 1) Calculate your claim value including compensation to determine the applicable commission and fee slab; 2) Check the current fee schedule notified under the 2020 Regulations for your commission; 3) Pay the fee online via e-Daakhil or by demand draft as directed; 4) Retain the fee receipt as proof of compliance with filing requirements.

Timing matters here: Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 34 works on limitation periods, so a consumer complaint fee claim that is right on the merits can still fail if it is brought late. 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 consumer law.