Common Consumer Complaints in India & How DigiLawyer Can Help

You finally get your hands on the latest smartphone after months of saving and anticipation. But within a week, the screen starts flickering. Frustrated, you reach out to customer service—only to be stuck in an endless loop of calls and emails. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Consumer complaints in India are a growing concern, with issues ranging from defective products and hidden charges to delayed services and unfair practices. Many consumers feel helpless, unsure of how to get the resolution they deserve. But the good news? You don’t have to navigate this battle alone.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common consumer complaints in India and how DigiLawyer can help you take the right legal steps to resolve them efficiently.

Common Consumer Complaints in India

The common consumer complaints in India that almost every individual comes up are as follows: 

1. Product Defects

One of the most common complaints consumers encounter is related to product quality, functionality, safety, or failure to meet advertised specifications. 

For instance, you order a beautiful yellow dress, but Myntra delivers a dull blue one. 

2. Poor Customer Service

Many consumers face difficulties in reaching customer support or receiving unhelpful assistance, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.  

E.g. When customer services keep you on hold for hours before you get assigned a person to address your issue.  

3. Billing and Pricing Disputes

Incorrect billing, hidden fees, and pricing discrepancies are common complaints. Transparency in financial transactions is essential to avoid such grievances.  

E.g. A customer subscribes to a service for ₹299 but gets charged ₹599 due to an unclear auto-renewal policy.

4. Delivery and Fulfillment Issues

Delays, damaged products during shipping, and non-delivery are frequent causes of consumer dissatisfaction. A smooth logistics process is vital to prevent such complaints.

E.g. A customer orders a laptop, but it arrives a week late with a cracked screen. 

Steps for Seeking Redressal in Consumer Cases

The steps for seeking redressal in Consumer cases that you need to follow are as follows: 

1. Contact the Company: Reach out to the company's customer service through the designated channels. Clearly describe the issue and provide relevant documentation.
2. Document the Complaint: Keep a comprehensive record of all communications, including names, dates, and details of conversations. Keep supporting evidence, such as photos and correspondence.
3. Engage Consumer Protection Agencies: If direct resolution fails, consider seeking assistance from consumer protection authorities, such as the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions in India, or relevant consumer forums.
4. Pursue Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Some organizations, such as the Indian Dispute Resolution Centre, offer mediation and arbitration services as alternatives to litigation. ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) can provide a quicker, less formal resolution. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a process for resolving disputes outside of court through methods like mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. 
5. Legal Action: If other avenues prove ineffective, legal action may be pursued, including filing in small claims court or initiating a class-action lawsuit, depending on the nature of the dispute. For compensation, consumers can approach the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. For collective redress, they can file a case with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

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How are Consumers Protected?

The Consumer Protection Act grants consumers several rights to ensure fair treatment and safeguard their interests.

1. Right to Safety – Consumers must be protected from unsafe or defective products and services, especially in critical sectors like electronics, medicines, and food.

• Example: A faulty appliance that overheats and causes a fire violates this right.

2. Right to Information – Consumers have the right to clear, accurate details about a product or service, including price, ingredients, and risks.

• Example: A skincare product containing undisclosed harmful chemicals breaches this right.

3. Right to Choose – Consumers should have access to a variety of quality products at fair prices without being forced into unnecessary bundles or monopolies.

• Example: A telecom provider shouldn’t require users to purchase extra services they don’t need.

4. Right to Be Heard – Consumers can file complaints and seek redress through consumer courts if they face unfair treatment.

• Example: A customer denied a refund for a defective phone can lodge a formal complaint.

5. Right to Consumer Education – Consumers must be informed about their rights and how to make well-informed purchasing decisions.

• Example: A government campaign teaches consumers to identify misleading advertisements.

6. Right to Seek Compensation – Consumers can demand redress or compensation for defective products or poor service.

• Example: A customer successfully gets a refund after filing a complaint about a faulty mobile phone.

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Steps to File Consumer Complaint in India

The steps to file consumer complaints are mentioned below: 

1. File a Consumer Complaint

Go to "consumerhelpline.gov.in" for guidance and grievance registration with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

2. Send a Notice

After the first step is completed, we also have an option of sending a formal written notice to the seller/provider outlining your issue. For claims over Rs. 10,000, consult a lawyer for official notice. 

3. Wait for Response (15 Days)

Allow the seller or service provider up to 15 days to respond. If no response is received or if the response is unsatisfactory, proceed with legal escalation.

4. File a Complaint on the E-Daakhil now become E-Jagriti Portal (Optional)

E-Jagriti is an online portal by the government for filing consumer complaints. Visit E-Jagriti and register and submit the complaint along with the necessary documents and pay the applicable court fee.

5. Approach a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Offline/Online)

Based on the claim amount, consumers can escalate the complaint to the following forums:

(a) District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC)   Jurisdiction: Claims up to ₹50 lakh 

Court Fee:  

• Up to ₹5 lakh: No fee
• ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh: ₹200  
• ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh: ₹400
• ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh: ₹1,000  

(b) State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) Jurisdiction: Claixms above ₹50 lakh and up to ₹2 crore  

Court Fee:  

• ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore: ₹2,000  
• ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore: ₹4,000  
• (c) National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)  
• Jurisdiction: Claims above ₹2 crore  
• Court Fee: ₹5,000  

6. Attend Hearings & Submit Evidence

Once the complaint is filed, a notice is sent to the seller/service provider. After that we need to attend hearings as scheduled and present evidence. The commission will examine the case and issue a verdict.  

7. Receive Compensation or Appeal Further  

If the commission rules in favor of the consumer, the seller is required to provide compensation. If dissatisfied with the decision, the consumer can appeal to a higher commission within 30 days.

How DigiLawyer can help you?

Consumer complaints ensure businesses stay accountable. At DigiLawyer, we streamline the legal process—whether you need case insights, expert consultation, or free legal aid. No more frustrating customer service calls—we help you take action and claim your rights.

If you’ve faced unfair business practices or defective products, it’s time to act. DigiLawyer fights for your rights by exposing unethical companies and securing fair resolutions. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters—your peace of mind.