1. The Quick Rule #
You do not need a lawyer to file a case. The E-Daakhil system is designed for the common citizen. Under the law, you can file a complaint at the Consumer Commission in the district where you reside, rather than where the company is located.
2. Jurisdiction: Where do you file? #
In 2026, the venue is decided by the actual amount you paid (the consideration), not the total compensation you are asking for.
| Value of Goods/Services Paid | Court Level | Fee Status (2026) |
| Up to ₹5 Lakh | District Commission | Zero Court Fee |
| ₹5 Lakh to ₹50 Lakh | District Commission | Nominal Fee (₹200 – ₹2,000) |
| ₹50 Lakh to ₹2 Crore | State Commission | Moderate Fee (₹2,500 – ₹6,000) |
| Above ₹2 Crore | National Commission (NCDRC) | Fixed Fee (₹7,500) |
3. Pre-Filing Checklist (The “Must-Haves”) #
Before logging in to edaakhil.nic.in, ensure you have these digital documents ready in OCR-enabled PDF format (searchable text):
- [ ] The Legal Notice: Proof that you gave the company 15 days to resolve the issue.
- [ ] The Complaint: A clear, chronological account of what happened.
- [ ] Affidavit: A notarized document swearing that the facts in your complaint are true.
- [ ] Evidence: Invoices, warranty cards, screenshots of “Dark Patterns,” or unboxing videos.
- [ ] Index & List of Dates: A simple table of contents for your filing.
4. Step-by-Step Portal Process #
- Step 1: Registration. Sign up as a “Complainant” on the E-Daakhil portal using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification.
- Step 2: Case Drafting. Click on “File a New Case.” Select your State and District. The system will automatically identify the correct Commission based on your location.
- Step 3: Upload Documents. Upload your Complaint, Affidavit, and Evidence. Ensure each file is under 25MB.
- Step 4: Fee Payment. For claims above ₹5 Lakh, pay the fee via the integrated Bharatkosh payment gateway (UPI, Credit Card, or Net Banking).
- Step 5: Final Submission. Once submitted, you will receive a Docket Number. The Commission will review your “Admissibility” within 21 days.
5. What Happens After Filing? #
- Admission: The Judge reviews your documents. If everything is in order, the case is “Admitted.”
- Notice to Opposite Party: The portal automatically sends a notice to the company. They have 30–45 days to file a reply.
- Mediation (The 2026 Shift): Under the “Mediation for the Nation” initiative, the court may ask if you want to settle via a Mediation Cell. This is free, faster, and the result is as binding as a court order.
- Hybrid Hearings: In 2026, most commissions allow you to attend hearings via Video Conferencing. You don’t need to leave your home.
6. Pro-Tips for Success #
- The “Limitation” Rule: You must file your case within 2 years of the incident. If you are late, you must file a “Condonation of Delay” application explaining why.
- The “Service” Definition: Always use the term “Deficiency in Service” or “Unfair Trade Practice” in your complaint. These are the specific legal triggers for the Judge to act.
- Track via CONFONET: Use the confonet.nic.in website to see your next hearing date and download court orders.
7. The Official Proof (For Authority) #
Revised the pecuniary limits ensuring that small consumers can access the District Commission for claims up to ₹50 Lakh.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Section 35):
“A complaint… may be filed with a District Commission… and the District Commission shall, on the basis of the complaint and the evidence placed before it, admit the complaint.”
Rule 7 (Consumer Protection Rules, 2021): Revised the pecuniary limits ensuring that small consumers can access the District Commission for claims up to ₹50 Lakh.
