Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 35
Section 35: Manner in which complaint shall be made
Section 35 identifies who may file a District Commission complaint, allows prescribed electronic filing, and requires the prescribed fee.
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Need advice on Section 35?
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) A complaint, in relation to any goods sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or any service provided or agreed to be provided, may be filed with a District Commission by— (a) the consumer,— (i) to whom such goods are sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or such service is provided or agreed to be provided; or (ii) who alleges unfair trade practice in respect of such goods or service; (b) any recognised consumer association, whether the consumer to whom such goods are sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or such service is provided or agreed to be provided, or who alleges unfair trade practice in respect of such goods or service, is a member of such association or not; (c) one or more consumers, where there are numerous consumers having the same interest, with the permission of the District Commission, on behalf of, or for the benefit of, all consumers so interested; or (d) the Central Government, the Central Authority or the State Government, as the case may be:
Provided that the complaint under this sub-section may be filed electronically in such manner as may be prescribed.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “recognised consumer association” means any voluntary consumer association registered under any law for the time being in force.
(2) Every complaint filed under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied with such fee and payable in such manner, including electronic form, as may be prescribed.
Introduction
For a numerous-consumer complaint, obtain the District Commission’s permission to proceed on behalf of all interested consumers. Do not file for an entire consumer group without the Commission’s permission required by clause (c).
Key takeaways
Who and when
Section 35 identifies who may file a District Commission complaint, allows prescribed electronic filing, and requires the prescribed fee.
Operational step
Confirm that the filer is the consumer, a recognised association, permitted group representative, or listed government/Authority body.
Boundary
Do not assume an association must have the affected consumer as a member.
When the section matters
Section 35 identifies who may file a District Commission complaint, allows prescribed electronic filing, and requires the prescribed fee.
Practical steps
Confirm that the filer is the consumer, a recognised association, permitted group representative, or listed government/Authority body. For a numerous-consumer complaint, obtain the District Commission’s permission to proceed on behalf of all interested consumers. Prepare the goods/service allegations, filing materials and prescribed fee; use the prescribed electronic method if filing online.
- Confirm that the filer is the consumer, a recognised association, permitted group representative, or listed government/Authority body.
- For a numerous-consumer complaint, obtain the District Commission’s permission to proceed on behalf of all interested consumers.
- Prepare the goods/service allegations, filing materials and prescribed fee; use the prescribed electronic method if filing online.
Example
A registered consumer association may complain about a misleading service even if the specific affected buyer is not a member.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Confirm that the filer is the consumer, a recognised association, permitted group representative, or listed government/Authority body.
- For a numerous-consumer complaint, obtain the District Commission’s permission to proceed on behalf of all interested consumers.
- Prepare the goods/service allegations, filing materials and prescribed fee; use the prescribed electronic method if filing online.
Avoid
- Do not assume an association must have the affected consumer as a member.
- Do not file for an entire consumer group without the Commission’s permission required by clause (c).
Glossary
- Recognised consumer association
- A voluntary consumer association registered under a law in force, as defined in section 35’s Explanation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a complaint be filed electronically?
Yes, in the manner prescribed under the proviso to section 35(1).
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026