Chapter IV - Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Section 69
Section 69: Limitation period
Section 69 normally bars admission of a consumer complaint filed more than two years after the cause of action arose.
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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) The District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission shall not admit a complaint unless it is filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a complaint may be entertained after the period specified in sub-section (1), if the complainant satisfies the District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, that he had sufficient cause for not filing the complaint within such period:
Provided that no such complaint shall be entertained unless the District Commission or the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, records its reasons for condoning such delay.
Introduction
A business responding to a late complaint should identify the asserted cause-of-action date and any later events; a complainant seeking condonation must show sufficient cause.
Key takeaways
What the section does
Section 69 normally bars admission of a consumer complaint filed more than two years after the cause of action arose.
Operational response
A business responding to a late complaint should identify the asserted cause-of-action date and any later events; a complainant seeking condonation must show sufficient cause.
Important boundary
Delay can be condoned, but the Commission must record reasons. A continuing dispute or later promise may raise fact-specific accrual questions not resolved by the section alone.
When the provision matters
Section 69 normally bars admission of a consumer complaint filed more than two years after the cause of action arose.
Delay can be condoned, but the Commission must record reasons. A continuing dispute or later promise may raise fact-specific accrual questions not resolved by the section alone.
Practical response
A business responding to a late complaint should identify the asserted cause-of-action date and any later events; a complainant seeking condonation must show sufficient cause.
Decision points and records
Make a dated timeline of sale, defect, complaint, repair and promised remedy events.
Do not measure limitation only from the invoice if later facts may affect the cause of action.
Example
A buyer complains three years after a defective appliance failed. The seller examines the invoice, failure date and later repair commitments before raising limitation.
Official sources
Practical checklist
Do
- Preserve dated sale, complaint and repair records.
- Make a dated timeline of sale, defect, complaint, repair and promised remedy events.
Avoid
- Do not assume every complaint older than two years must be dismissed without a condonation analysis.
- Do not measure limitation only from the invoice if later facts may affect the cause of action.
Illustrative example
Section 69 in practice
A buyer complains three years after a defective appliance failed. The seller examines the invoice, failure date and later repair commitments before raising limitation.
Identify the statutory trigger
Section 69 normally bars admission of a consumer complaint filed more than two years after the cause of action arose.
Preserve the key record
Make a dated timeline of sale, defect, complaint, repair and promised remedy events.
Apply the limit
Delay can be condoned, but the Commission must record reasons. A continuing dispute or later promise may raise fact-specific accrual questions not resolved by the section alone.
Outcome
- A business responding to a late complaint should identify the asserted cause-of-action date and any later events; a complainant seeking condonation must show sufficient cause.
Glossary
- National Commission
- The national consumer dispute redressal forum under Chapter IV of the Act.
- Condonation of delay
- Admission of a complaint beyond two years after sufficient cause is shown and reasons are recorded.
Frequently asked questions
Can a late complaint still be heard?
Yes, if the complainant shows sufficient cause and the Commission records reasons for condoning the delay.
From what event does the two-year period run?
From the date on which the cause of action arose, subject to the Commission’s power to condone delay.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026