Legal Notice to Seller / Service Provider (Consumer Complaint) Format

When to use this notice

Use this notice when you have bought a defective or misrepresented product, faced deficient or negligent service, been overcharged, or subjected to an unfair trade practice, and the business has not resolved your grievance. The notice records the deficiency and demand and often prompts settlement before you file a formal consumer complaint.

Statutory basis

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 lets a consumer file a complaint for a defect in goods or a deficiency in service, or for unfair or restrictive trade practices, before the District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Section 35 onwards, based on the value of the claim). A consumer complaint must generally be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose (Section 69). While a pre-filing notice is not mandatory, it is commonly sent to seek resolution first.

Replace every [placeholder] with your own details before use.

[ON THE LETTERHEAD OF THE ADVOCATE / OR IN PERSONAL CAPACITY]

By Registered Post A/D & Email

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,
[Name of Seller / Service Provider / Company]
[Complete Address]

Subject: Legal notice for [defect in goods / deficiency in service] and demand for [refund/replacement/compensation].

Sir/Madam,

Under instructions from my client, [Consumer Name], of [Consumer Address] (a "consumer" within the meaning of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019), I serve upon you the following notice:

1. That my client purchased [product/service] from you vide invoice/order no. [number] dated [DD/MM/YYYY] for Rs. [Amount].

2. That the said [product was found defective / service was deficient], namely [describe the defect/deficiency], causing loss and harassment to my client.

3. That despite complaint(s) dated [dates], you have failed to redress the grievance.

I therefore call upon you to [refund Rs. Amount / replace the product / rectify the service and pay compensation of Rs. Amount] within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this notice, failing which my client shall file a complaint before the competent Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, seeking refund, compensation, litigation costs, and such other relief, at your risk and expense.

[Advocate Name / Consumer Name]
[Enrolment No. / Contact]

How to send this legal notice

1. Keep the invoice, order confirmation, warranty, and records of the defect or deficiency.
2. Confirm you are a "consumer" and note the value of goods/services to identify the right Commission.
3. Verify the claim is within two years of the cause of action arising.
4. Draft the notice describing the defect/deficiency and your demand, with a 15-day deadline.
5. Serve it by Registered Post A/D and email, retaining proof of dispatch and delivery.
6. If unresolved, file a complaint before the District/State/National Consumer Commission.

Frequently asked questions