If a product or service is defective, late, or not as promised, a complaint may be eligible for a refund, repair, or compensation. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 you can file a consumer complaint online in India without visiting a police station or court. The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) portal and e-filing systems make this process simple and trackable from the comfort of your own home. The official Act text is available on the India Code for those who want to read the law in full.

Your Rights As a Consumer

The law protects buyers from defective products, poor service, overcharging, and false ads, and it allows filing complaints online and at consumer forums (District, State, National). The government created the Central Consumer Protection Authority to act on unfair trade practices and misleading ads, and to recall unsafe products when needed. This means there are clear ways to ask for a refund, replacement, or compensation when things go wrong.

What to Prepare Before Filing A Consumer Complaint Online

A strong complaint needs clear proof. Keep the purchase bill or invoice, warranty or guarantee card, photos or videos of the defect, and messages or emails with the company ready for upload. Write a short timeline: date of purchase, what went wrong, and what the company replied, if anything. Scan documents or take clear photos so they are readable when you upload them.

Where to File the Complaint Online in India

The National Consumer Helpline is the main government platform for complaints at the pre‑litigation stage, with support via portal, app, WhatsApp, and phone (1915). The service portal page confirms you can register, upload documents, and track your complaint, and it also links to e‑filing for Consumer Commissions if you need to go beyond helpdesk escalation. The NCDRC site provides direct links for online filing when a case must go to a commission based on claim value and seriousness.

Step-by-Step: Filing on the NCH Portal

Start with the official NCH portal. Create an account, fill the form, upload proof, and submit; you get a docket/complaint number to track status.

• Step 1 – Sign up and log in at the NCH web portal (consumerhelpline.gov.in) using mobile or email; OTP is used to verify identity.
• Step 2 – Select “File Complaint,” choose category (Goods, Services, E‑commerce, etc.), and enter the company details and your short, factual description of the issue.
• Step 3 – Upload bills, screenshots, emails, and photos so the case handler can see the problem clearly.
• Step 4 – Submit and save the docket/complaint ID; use it to track updates and replies from the company or authorities.

If calling is easier, dial 1915 or use WhatsApp 8800001915 to register; the helpline accepts complaints in many Indian languages and operates daily with extended support and callbacks. A Press Information Bureau note also confirms the helpline routes cases to companies and regulators, with a high disposal rate and many partnered companies for faster resolution.

Tracking, Escalation, and Next Steps

Log in to the portal to see status changes, notifications show progress and actions taken. If there is no movement after a reasonable time (for example, around two weeks), use the escalation options inside the system to push the case forward. If the matter is not resolved or is serious or high‑value, file directly with the Consumer Commissions using the government’s e‑filing (e‑Daakhil) or the NCDRC website, which provides procedures and online filing links. Jurisdiction depends on claim value, and the 2019 Act supports faster, digital filings via e‑Daakhil for District/State/National Commissions.

How to Write a Consumer Complaint Online in India

Write short, clear sentences with dates, order number, amount paid, and what was promised versus what happened. State exactly what is needed: refund, replacement, repair, or compensation. Attach proof for each claim and keep copies of everything submitted. Be polite and factual, avoid emotional language, as it weakens the presentation of facts.

When to Consider Legal Help

If a company is not responding, or if the amount is large, or the issue involves fraud or repeated failure, legal assistance can save time and strengthen the case. Lawyers help draft notices, choose the right forum, and organize evidence as per Commission requirements, including affidavits and annexures for filings before higher commissions like the NCDRC. Time limits also matters, complaints should be filed within two years from the cause of action, so acting early helps.

Useful Official Links

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) – File and track complaints online via the Government of India portal. You can also use WhatsApp (8800001915) or call the toll‑free helpline 1915.
Open NCH Official Portal

Government Service Page (India.gov.in) – Official service listing for registering a consumer complaint with NCH, including steps, eligibility, and links to file/track.
Register a Consumer Complaint (Govt. Service Page)

NCDRC (Consumer Commissions) Online Filing & Procedures – File cases with Consumer Commissions (District/State/National), see procedures and e‑filing options (e‑Daakhil).
Consumer Complaint – Online Filing & Procedures (NCDRC)

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Official Text) – Full law text (PDF) on India Code.
Download Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (PDF)

Need Professional Help?

Got a big or complex case, or no response from the company? Our team at NoticeBazaar drafts strong complaints and legal notices, prepares evidence for e‑filing, and guides you step by step. This saves time and reduces mistakes, improving your chances of refund or compensation.
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Note: These official resources confirm online filing, tracking, and escalation options under the 2019 Act.
NCH Official Portal | Govt. Service Page | NCDRC Procedures | Act (PDF)