My telecom operator is charging me for a service I never used. How do I dispute this?

My broadband provider keeps billing me for a plan I cancelled months ago. Can I file a consumer complaint against them? 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.

My telecom operator is charging me for a service I never used. How do I dispute this? is governed in India primarily by Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(11) and Telecom Consumers Protection and Redressal of Grievances Regulations 2007. 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.

TRAI's Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations require operators to resolve billing complaints within a fixed timeline through their own customer care and appellate authority.

Continuing to bill for a cancelled or disconnected service, or failing to act on a written disconnection request, is a deficiency in service under Section 2(11).

You must generally first approach the operator's grievance redressal officer, and then the appellate authority under TRAI regulations, before approaching a Consumer Commission.

Consumer Commissions have ordered waiver of wrongful charges, refund of amounts already paid, and compensation for harassment in such billing disputes.

Credit information bureau reporting of a disputed telecom due, if incorrect, can itself be separately challenged as it affects your credit score.

What to do next: 1) Send a written disconnection or dispute request to the operator and retain the acknowledgment; 2) Escalate unresolved billing disputes to the operator's nodal officer and then appellate authority under TRAI rules; 3) If still unresolved, file a consumer complaint for wrongful billing and any related harassment; 4) Ask your telecom provider for a No Dues Certificate to prevent future recovery attempts.

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 2(11) 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.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.