Grounds for Filing a Complaint in a Consumer Court

A consumer can file a complaint in a Consumer Court under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, if they have suffered any loss or injury due to the following reasons:

1. Unfair Trade Practice or Restrictive Trade Practice

• Unfair Trade Practice: This refers to any deceptive or misleading practice adopted by a trader or service provider. It could involve false advertising, misrepresentation of facts, or any other unfair practice that harms the interests of consumers.
• Restrictive Trade Practice: This refers to any practice that limits competition or restricts the choices available to consumers. It could involve price fixing, exclusive dealing arrangements, or any other practice that hinders fair competition.

2. Defective Goods

A consumer can file a complaint if they have purchased goods that are:

• Defective in quality: The goods do not meet the standards of quality as advertised or promised.
• Not fit for the purpose: The goods are not suitable for the purpose for which they were intended.
• Not of the described quantity or quality: The goods do not match the description or quality as represented by the seller.

3. Deficiency in Services

A consumer can file a complaint if they have availed of services that are:

• Inadequate: The services are not provided as per the agreed terms and conditions.
• Substandard: The quality of the services is poor or below the expected standards.
• Delayed: The services are not provided within the specified time frame.

4. Overcharging

A consumer can file a complaint if they have been charged more than the:

• Price fixed by law: The government or a regulatory authority may fix the price of certain goods or services.
• Price displayed on the product or price list: The seller may display a price on the product or price list, and charging more than this is considered overcharging.
• Agreed price between the parties: If the consumer and the seller have agreed on a specific price, charging more than this is a violation of the agreement.

5. Selling or Offering to Sell Hazardous Goods or Services

A consumer can file a complaint if a seller knowingly sells or offers to sell goods or services that are hazardous to life and safety. This could include:

• Defective products that can cause injury or harm.
• Services that are unsafe or pose a risk to the consumer.

By understanding these grounds, consumers can effectively protect their rights and seek redressal for any grievances through the Consumer Court system.