Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 34
Section 34: Jurisdiction of District Commission
Section 34 sets District Commission subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction. The Act states a one-crore-rupee paid-consideration ceiling, but the 2021 jurisdiction rules currently prescribe fifty lakh rupees.
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Need advice on Section 34?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the District Commission shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed one crore rupees:
Provided that where the Central Government deems it necessary so to do, it may prescribe such other value, as it deems fit.
(2) A complaint shall be instituted in a District Commission within the local limits of whose jurisdiction,— (a) the opposite party or each of the opposite parties, where there are more than one, at the time of the institution of the complaint, ordinarily resides or carries on business or has a branch office or personally works for gain; or (b) any of the opposite parties, where there are more than one, at the time of the institution of the complaint, actually and voluntarily resides, or carries on business or has a branch office, or personally works for gain, provided that in such case the permission of the District Commission is given; or (c) the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises; or (d) the complainant resides or personally works for gain.
(3) The District Commission shall ordinarily function in the district headquarters and may perform its functions at such other place in the district, as the State Government may, in consultation with the State Commission, notify in the Official Gazette from time to time.
Introduction
The enacted Act states a default monetary band, while the 2021 jurisdiction rules prescribe the current paid-consideration threshold. Read the Act text and current rule together.
Key takeaways
Who and when
Section 34 sets District Commission subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction. The Act states a one-crore-rupee paid-consideration ceiling, but the 2021 jurisdiction rules currently prescribe fifty lakh rupees.
Operational step
Calculate the amount actually paid as consideration for the goods or services, not the damages demanded.
Boundary
Do not use the Act’s one-crore default without checking the 2021 prescribed threshold.
When the section matters
Section 34 sets District Commission subject-matter and territorial jurisdiction. The Act states a one-crore-rupee paid-consideration ceiling, but the 2021 jurisdiction rules currently prescribe fifty lakh rupees.
Practical steps
Calculate the amount actually paid as consideration for the goods or services, not the damages demanded. Apply the current notified pecuniary rule: District Commission complaints up to fifty lakh rupees. Test territorial grounds: opposite party location, cause of action, complainant residence/work, and permission where only one of several opposite parties is located there.
- Calculate the amount actually paid as consideration for the goods or services, not the damages demanded.
- Apply the current notified pecuniary rule: District Commission complaints up to fifty lakh rupees.
- Test territorial grounds: opposite party location, cause of action, complainant residence/work, and permission where only one of several opposite parties is located there.
Example
A consumer paid ₹42 lakh for a home service and lives in District A; the current rule places the complaint within District Commission monetary jurisdiction, subject to the Act’s territorial rules.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Calculate the amount actually paid as consideration for the goods or services, not the damages demanded.
- Apply the current notified pecuniary rule: District Commission complaints up to fifty lakh rupees.
- Test territorial grounds: opposite party location, cause of action, complainant residence/work, and permission where only one of several opposite parties is located there.
Avoid
- Do not use the Act’s one-crore default without checking the 2021 prescribed threshold.
- Do not choose a district solely for convenience without a section 34(2) territorial link.
Glossary
- Paid consideration
- The value paid for goods or services used to determine ordinary complaint monetary jurisdiction, distinct from damages claimed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the current District Commission limit one crore rupees?
The Act states that default, but G.S.R. 912(E) currently prescribes a fifty-lakh-rupee ceiling based on paid consideration.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026