How to lodge a consumer complaint online

If you, as a consumer, have any grievances about the quality of a brand, product or service, you can file a consumer complaint and seek redress. Different types of complaints can be filed depending on the specific issue, by visiting the concerned consumer court and submitting the necessary documents. Alternatively, you can also register a consumer complaint online through the following steps.

Website
The government runs a portal called the Consumer Online Resource and Empowerment Centre (core.nic.in). It is a com plaint and grievance redressal system run by the Consumer Co-ordination Council and supported by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.

Registration
To lodge a complaint, the consumer has to first register on the site. The online registration form has to be filled in with the name, email, address and phone number of the complainant, and an user id and password have to be created.

Lodging a complaint
A complaint can be filed against any registered brand or service provider. The online complaint system has a dropdown menu of sectors, seg ments and brands, which includes all brands registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Process
The nature of the complaint, the details of any people involved and supporting documents can be attached to the online complaint. The consequences and relief sought can also be indicated

Status
Once submitted, complaints are assigned an electronically generated number. This can be used to track the status of the complaint until it is resolved.

Points to note
* Multiple complaints can be filed using the same log in credentials and can be tracked online.
* The messages sent to the brand and consumer are also available for viewing to track progress.
* Complaints can be filed in both Hindi and English.

(The content is courtesy Centre for Investment Education and Learning (CIEL). Contributions by Girija Gadre, Arti Bhargava and Labdhi Mehta.)