Cheated by a seller or a service? Here's how to get your money back.
You paid for something — a phone, a repair, a booking — and got a faulty product, poor service, or been put off again and again on a refund. You don't have to just accept it. India's consumer law is built to protect ordinary buyers like you, and the process is simpler than most people think.
Ask her about this — freeWhat the law actually says
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 protects you when you buy goods or pay for a service. A faulty or defective product is a "defect"; bad, incomplete, or careless service is a "deficiency in service" — and both give you the right to act.
- You can ask for a refund, a replacement, a repair, or money for the loss and harassment you faced — and the cost of the trouble itself (compensation), not just the price you paid.
- You complain to a Consumer Commission — a special consumer court. Which one depends on what you paid for the goods or service, not on what you are claiming: the District Commission up to ₹1 crore, the State Commission from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore, and the National Commission above that.
- You don't always need a lawyer or even a courtroom visit — you can file online through the government's e-Daakhil portal, and you usually have about two years from when the problem happened to file.
What to do
- 1
Complain to the seller in writing first
Email or message the seller or company clearly: what you bought, what went wrong, and what you want — refund, replacement, or repair. Keep it short and dated. This often fixes it, and it proves you gave them a chance.
- 2
Gather your proof
Save the bill or invoice, order confirmation, payment record, warranty card, photos of the defect, and every chat or email. These are what win a consumer case — collect them before you file.
- 3
Send a formal notice if they ignore you
If the seller stalls, a formal complaint or legal notice giving a clear deadline (say 15 days) to refund or replace usually gets a response. It shows you're serious about going to the consumer court.
- 4
File at the Consumer Commission
Still no fix? File your complaint — online on the e-Daakhil portal or in person at the District Consumer Commission for your area. Attach your proof and state the refund or compensation you want. Filing fees are low.
Your rights, at a glance
Demand a refund, replacement, or repair
- How long it takes
- Ask within the warranty or a reasonable time
- Where to go
- Seller or company directly, in writing
- Rough cost
- Free
Send a formal complaint / legal notice
- How long it takes
- Give a 15-day deadline
- Where to go
- Yourself, or a lawyer / Miss Lucy Pro to draft it
- Rough cost
- Free if you write it yourself
File a consumer complaint online
- How long it takes
- Within about 2 years of the problem
- Where to go
- e-Daakhil portal / District Consumer Commission
- Rough cost
- Low filing fee
Claim compensation for loss and harassment
- How long it takes
- Decided along with your complaint
- Where to go
- Consumer Commission (District / State / National, by what you paid)
- Rough cost
- Filing fee; lawyer optional
Common questions in this area
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When you need a real lawyer
If the amount is large, the company is fighting back, or your claim runs into the State or National Commission, get help. You'll want a clean complaint and a properly drafted legal notice first — Miss Lucy Pro drafts that notice for you, and a local advocate can file and argue the case if it gets contested.
Need the notice or complaint drafted? Meet Miss Lucy ProThis is guidance, not a lawyer. Miss Lucy Lite helps you understand your rights and your next step in plain English. It is in no way a replacement for proper legal advice — when your situation needs a real document or a fight in court, she'll tell you plainly that it's time to see a lawyer.