Where should I file the consumer complaint? Jurisdiction of consumer courts?

The answer depends on the pecuniary and territorial jurisdiction of the Commissions. A complaint can be filed in the commission which has both the territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction to decide the complaint.

PECUNIARY JURISDICTION:

District Commission can entertain complaints (except complaints against unfair contracts) where value of goods or services is up to one crore rupees. State Commission can entertain complaints (including complaints against unfair contracts of less than one crores) where value of goods or services exceeds one crore but is up to ten crores.

National Commission can entertain complaints (including complaints against unfair contracts) where value of goods or services exceeds ten crores.

TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION:

A complaint can be filed where

• the complainant resides or personally works for gain, or
• the cause of action, wholly or in part, arises, or
• the opposite party ordinarily resides or carries on business or has a branch office or personally works for gain, or
• any of the opposite parties ordinarily resides or carries on business or has a branch office or personally works for gain but only with the permission of Commission.