Complaint Process: Simple Steps to File and Resolve Your Legal Grievance

If you’re tired of waiting for a solution, you need a clear complaint process. Whether it’s a consumer issue, unpaid salary, or a tenant dispute, the steps are mostly the same. Below you’ll find a straightforward roadmap that works across most Indian authorities.

Steps to Start a Complaint

1. Identify the right forum. Different problems go to different bodies. Consumer complaints go to the District Consumer Disputes Commission, salary disputes to the Labour Court, and tenancy matters to the Civil Court or Rent Control Board.

2. Gather evidence. Collect bills, contracts, salary slips, emails, and any communication that supports your claim. A photo of the disputed product or a screenshot of a chat can be as powerful as a signed agreement.

3. Write a brief statement. Summarize what happened, why you believe you’re right, and what you want as a remedy. Keep it under 300 words, use plain language, and stick to facts.

4. Fill the official form. Most forums provide a downloadable PDF or an online portal. Copy the information from your statement, attach your evidence, and sign the form.

5. Pay the fee. Fees vary: a consumer complaint may cost ₹500, while a labour dispute could be ₹1,000. Some courts waive fees for low‑income claimants – check the waiver rules before you pay.

6. Submit the complaint. You can file in person, by registered post, or sometimes online. Get a receipt or acknowledgment number; you’ll need it to track the case.

Where to File Your Complaint

Consumer complaints. Go to the nearest District Consumer Disputes Commission. If the amount is over ₹10 lakh, file at the State Commission. For national brands, you can also approach the National Consumer Helpline before lodging a formal case.

Salary or employment issues. Approach the Labour Court in the district where you work. If the employer is a government agency, the Central Administrative Tribunal might be the right venue.

Tenant‑landlord disputes. Small rent issues (under ₹1 lakh) can be taken to the Rent Control Board. Larger claims or eviction matters go to the Civil Court.

After filing, the authority will issue a notice to the other party. They have a set time—usually 15 to 30 days—to respond. If they ignore it, the court may proceed ex‑parte, meaning you could win without their input.

Keep a folder with every receipt, acknowledgment, and court order. If you miss a deadline, your case stalls. A quick tip: set calendar reminders a week before each hearing.

Once the authority decides, you’ll receive a written order. If you win, the order will specify the amount to be paid or the action to be taken. For unpaid salaries, the order can be enforced through the bank or by attaching the employer’s assets.

If the other side doesn’t comply, you can file a execution petition. This moves the case to the enforcement wing, where sheriffs can seize assets or garnish wages.

Need help drafting your statement? Use a simple template: “I purchased X on 12 Jan 2025 from Y. The product stopped working after 3 days. I asked for a replacement, but Y refused. I request a full refund of ₹5,000.” Replace the details with your own facts and you’re ready.

The complaint process may feel formal, but it’s just a series of practical steps. Follow the checklist, stay organized, and you’ll move faster toward a resolution.