Consumer Court Filing Guide: e-Daakhil Process, Fees and Jurisdictions

1. Pecuniary Jurisdiction (Financial Limits)

Before preparing your petition, you must determine which commission has the authority to hear your case based on the total value of goods or services paid:

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC): Handles cases valued up to ₹50 Lakhs.
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): Handles cases valued between ₹50 Lakhs and ₹2 Crores.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): Handles cases valued above ₹2 Crores.

*Note: Jurisdiction is determined by the actual value paid for the product/service, not the compensation claimed.*

2. Territorial Jurisdiction (Where to File)

Under the 2019 Act, you can file the case where:

• You (the consumer) reside or work.
• The company's registered office or branch office is located.
• The cause of action arose (e.g., place of purchase or delivery address).

3. Step 1: Sending the Mandatory Legal Notice

You must give the company a final opportunity to resolve the issue:

• Draft a detailed letter outlining the purchase date, payment proof, product defect, and previous communication (like NCH complaints).
• Give the seller 15 days to refund or replace the item.
• Mention clearly: "If the issue is not resolved within 15 days, I shall approach the Consumer Commission."
• Send it via Speed Post or registered email, keeping the delivery acknowledgement safe.

4. Step 2: Registering on e-Daakhil

• Visit edaakhil.nic.in.
• Click on 'Registration' and choose 'Consumer/Advocate'.
• Input your Aadhaar card details, email, and mobile number.
• Verify your email via the activation link and log in.

5. Step 3: Preparing the Case Files

You must draft the following documents (convert them to PDF):

• Index: List of all documents submitted.
• Memo of Parties: Names, addresses, and contacts of the consumer and the seller.
• Main Complaint Petition: Detailed, chronological narrative of the dispute, ending with a specific 'Prayer' (relief sought).
• Verification / Affidavit: A signed declaration stating that the facts mentioned are true to your knowledge.
• Evidence Annexures: Invoices, bank statements, photos, notice copy, and delivery receipt.

6. e-Daakhil Filing Fee Structure

• Up to ₹5 Lakhs: Nil (Free)
• ₹5 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs: ₹200
• ₹10 Lakhs to ₹20 Lakhs: ₹400
• ₹20 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs: ₹1,000
• ₹50 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore: ₹2,000
• Pay online directly on the e-Daakhil portal using credit cards, net banking, or UPI.