Frequently Asked Questions

 

Additional FAQ in Tamil (pdf Format)

Consumer Protection Act

Definition of Consumer under the Act:

A person who buys any goods or services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred payment is a Consumer.

Note:

A person who obtains such goods for resale or for any commercial purposes will not be a consumer. However, if such goods are bought by a person exclusively for the purpose of earning his livelihood by means of self-employment then such a person will be considered as a consumer.

What are the activities carried out by the Government of Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department towards Consumer Education?

  • Operating a State level Consumer Information Centre

  • Conducting Consumer Education programmes through AIR, TV and pint media

  • Spreading awareness among children through formation and promotion of consumer clubs in Educational Institutions

  • Regular conducting of seminars, workshops and interactions with Voluntary Consumer Organisations, Service providers stake holders on consumer issues

  • Legal intervention on behalf of consumers in important issues to protect their interests as contemplated under Consumer Protection Act, 1986

  • Quality testing of product and services to assess and to initiate remedial measures for any unfair trade practices and issue alerts

  • Sustainable consumption campaign amongst all segments of the public

What are the functions of the Consumer Clubs in schools / colleges?

Consumer Clubs have to be activated through some structured activities. Active Consumer Clubs may go beyond this and also take up innovative activities. The following basic structure of functioning is recommended:

  • Monthly meetings and demonstrations for one hour after school hours on the First Thursday of each month. Each month a topic / activity may be scheduled as in the model calender.

  • Days of National and International importance to consumers may be celebrated in the School / College. Poster / Speech / Essay competitions can be organised at school level by the Consumer Club.

  • Field visits to local markets / Consumer Courts and door to door campaign in the local community etc., may be organized for atleast 4 days in a year. It can be done on Saturdays by prior arrangement.

  • Minutes of each activity have to be recorded by the Student and Teacher Co-ordinator jointly to document.

  • A Consumer Club notice board shall be opened to be updated daily by the teach and students with consumer related news.

What are the steps to be taken by the consumers against defectiveness?

On noticing the defectiveness of the commodity / service provided the consumer has to approach the concerned Commercial / Government organisation requesting for rectification / change of commodity / return back of money, in writing. (with acknowledgement) If the concerned organisation failed to take appropriate action, the District Collector shall legally initiate action.

Who can make complaint?

  • A consumer as defined under Consumer Protection Act, 1986

  • A registered Voluntary Consumer Association

  • Central Government

  • State Government / Union Territory

  • one or more consumers representing numerous consumers having the same interest.

When the complaints can be made?

A complaint may be made in writing under the following circumstances:

  • Loss or damage is caused to the consumer due to unfair trade practice of a trader.

  • If the article purchased by a consumer is defective.

  • If the services availed of by a consumer suffer from any deficiency.

  • When the price paid by a consumer is in excess of the price displayed on the goods or when the price is in excess of the price fixed under any law in force.

  • Goods, which will be hazardous to life and safety, when used are being offered for sale to the public in contravention of the provisions of any law.

What is District Consumer Protection Council?

District Consumer Protection Council is the council constituted under Consumer Protection Act, 1986 for each district. District Collector acts as its Chairman, District Supply and Consumer Protection Officer as Member-Secretary, and all the M.P.s, M.L.A.s and officials of all Government Departments having Consumer interface of the Concerned District as members along with the VCOs functioning in the District. This Council shall meet twice in a year as per Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Representations given by the VCOs during the meetings.

Where complaints can be registered?

District Consumer Protection Council

Action will be initiated legally through the Department concerned on the petitions regarding the defects filed before this Council which function under the chairmanship of the District Collector

Price of the commodity or value of the services and value of compensation claimed

District Consumer Forum

for a claim of Compensation upto Rs.20 lakhs

State Commission

for a claim of Compensation above Rs.20 lakhs and upto to Rs.1 crore

National Commission

for a claim of Compensation above Rs.1 crore

How to register the complaints?

  • Complaint can be registered within 2 years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen.

  • Stamp paper is not required for declaration

  • .Complaint can be registered, in person, by the complainant or through his authorised agent or by post addressed to the Redressal Agency.

  • Lawyers are not necessary.

What are the particulars that should be furnished along with the complaint?

The complaint should contain the following particulars: 

  • The name and complete address of the complainant

  • The name and complete address of the opposite party/parties

  • Date of purchase goods or services availed

  • Amount paid for the above purpose

  • Particulars of goods purchases with numbers or details of services availed

  • The details of complaint, whether it is against Unfair Trade Practice / supply of defective goods / deficiency in service provided / collection of excess price, should explicitly be mentioned in the complaint petition.

  • Bills / receipts and copies of connected correspondence, if any,

  • The relief sought for under this Act.

What are the relief provided under the Act:

The District Forum / State Commission can order the following reliefs:

  • To remove the defects in the goods pointed out.

  • To replace the goods.

  • To return to the complainant the price of the goods

  • To pay such amount of compensation for the loss or injury suffered by the consumer.

  • To remove the defects or deficiency in the services

  • To discontinue the unfair trade practice or not to repeat it

  • To withdraw the hazardous goods from being offered for sale

  • To provide the cost of expenditure incurred by the complainant

What is the appeal provision?

  • Aggrieved by the orders issued by the District Consumer Redressal Forum appeal petition may be filed before State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of orders

  • Aggrieved by the orders issued by the State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission appeal petition may be filed before National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of orders.

  • Aggrieved by the orders issued by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission appeal petition may be filed before Supreme Court of India within 30 days from the date of receipt of orders

  • No fee is charged for registering an appeal petition before State / National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions.

  • The appeal petition has to be filed with the grounds for appeal with copies of orders of the lower redressal agencies and registering procedures are same as is being done in the case of registering complaint.

What are the Rights of Consumers as stipulated under Consumer Protection Act 1986.

Consumer is having the rights as indicated below: 

1. Right to Safety

2. Right to be Informed

3. Right to Choose

4. Right to be heard

5. Right to seek Redressal

6. Right to Consumer Education

Based on the amendments to the UN guidelines, more rights have emerged

7. Right to Basic needs

8. Right to a health environment

Where to obtain further details regarding Consumer Protection:

  • Through website in www.fcamin.nic.in, www.core.nic.in

  • You may contact your District Collector and the Chairman, District Consumer Protection Council and also the Voluntary Consumer Organisation of locality with valid reputation

What are the addresses of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums functioning in the State of Tamil Nadu

Address of Tamil Nadu State Commission, Chennai, Circuit Bench of State Commission, Madurai and all the District Fora in the state

S.
No

Name of the State Commission / District Fora

Address

Telephone No &
 E-Mail Id

 

STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION

   1

State Commission, Chennai

Registrar,
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission,
Frazer Bridge Road, V.O.C. Nagar,
Park Town, Chennai-600 003.

044-25340040
044-25340050
tn-sforum@nic.in

2

 

 

Circuit Bench of Madurai

Assistant Registrar,
Circuit Bench of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Madurai
District Court Complex,
Madurai- 625 020.

0452 -2533120
scdrcmaduraibench@gmail.com

 

DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORA

3

Chengalpattu
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Sub-Collector Office Compound, G.S.T. Road, Melamaiyur Village,
Chengalpattu.

044- 27428832
chengalpattu.dcdrf@gmail.com

4

Chennai (North)
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (North), Frazer Bridge Road, (Behind TNPSC), V.O.C. Nagar, Park Town
Chennai : 600 003.

044 - 25340083
chennai.north@gmail.com

5

Chennai (South)
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (South), Frazer Bridge Road, (Behind TNPSC), V.O.C. Nagar,Park Town
Chennai : 600 003.

044 - 25340065
chennaisouth.dcdrf@gmail.com

6

Coimbatore
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum,
Collectorate Campus,
Coimbatore : 641 018

0422 - 2300152
coimbatore.dcdrf@gmail.com

7

Cuddalore DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
102, Pudupalayam Main Road,
Cuddalore : 607 002.

04142 - 295926
cuddalore.dcdrf@gmail.com

8

Villupuram
DCDRF
(Combined with Cuddalore)

The President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
21/5,Trichy Main Road,
Woodland Hotel Complex,II Floor,
Villupuram

04142 - 295926
villupuram.dcdrf@gmail.com

9

Dindigul DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
No.1, Anna Nagar, Near MSP School, Dindigul – 624 005.

0451 - 2433055
dindigul.dcdrf@gmail.com

10

Erode DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Panneer Selvam Park, Cutcherry Street, J.M. Court No.III Campus,
Erode – 638 001.

0424 - 2250022
erode.dcdrf@gmail.com

11

Karur DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Municipal Building, Azad Road,
 Karur 639 002.

04324 - 260193
karur.dcdrf@gmail.com

12

Madurai DCDRF

President
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court campus, II Floor
Madurai 625 001        

0452 -  2533304
madurai.dcdrf@gmail.com

13

Nagapattinam
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
543, Public Office Road,
Vellipalayam,
Nagapattinam 611 001

04365 - 247668
nagai.dcdrf@gmail.com

14

Nagercoil DCDRF

President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
55, Old No.36/1, I Floor, President
Sivathanu Road,
South of S.L.B. Hr. Sec. School,
Nagercoil : 629 001.

04652 - 229683
nagercoil.dcdrf@gmail.com

15

Namakkal DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
3/152-D, Jeeva Complex,
Trichy Main Road,
 Namakkal:637 001.

04286 - 224716
namakkal.dcdrf@gmail.com

16

Perambalur
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Lakshmi Illam,
345, Rover Nagar, I Floor, Ellambalur Road,
Perambalur : 621 212.

04328 - 276700
perambalur.dcdrf@gmail.com

17

Salem DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court Campus,
Yercaud Main Road,
Hasthampatty,
Salem:636 007

0427 - 2413279
salem.dcdrf@gmail.com

18

Sivagangai
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
10/25, Thirupathur Road,
Sivagangai : 630 561

04575 - 241591
sivaganga.dcdrf@gmail.com

19

Ramanathapuram
DCDRF
(Combined with Sivagangai)

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Collectorate Complex,(Meeting Hall) Ramanathapuram 623 501

04575 - 241591
ramanathapuram.dcdrf@gmail.com

20

Virudhunagar Dist.
@ Srivilliputhur
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Virdhunagar District Court
Complex, Srivilliputhur -626 125
District : Virdhunagar

04563 - 260380
virudhunagar.dcdrf@gmail.com

21

Thanjavur DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum,
Elango Commercial Complex,
Court Road, Needhi Nagar,
Thanjavur : 613 002.

04362 - 272 507
thanjavur.dcdrf@gmail.com

22

Pudukkottai
DCDRF
(Combined with Thanjavur)

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
District Court Campus,
Pudukkottai – 622 001

04362 - 272 507
pudukkottai.dcdrf@gmail.com

23

The Nilgiris
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
N.C.M.S. Complex
Udhagamandalam : 643 001.

0423 - 2451500
nilgiris.dcdrf@gmail.com

24

Theni DCDRF

President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
I Floor, Combined Court Buildings, Lakshmipuram, Periakulam Road,
Theni – 625 523

04546 - 269801
theni.dcdrf@gmail.com

25

Tiruchirapalli
DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
402/1, Heber Road,
District Court Buildings, Cantonment,
Tiruchirapalli-622 001

0431 - 2461481
trichy.dcdrf@gmail.com

26

Tirunelveli DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
No. 4/933 A, 70 Feet Road,
Rahmath Nagar,
Tirunelveli.

0462 - 2541134
tirunelveli.dcdrf@gmail.com

27

Tuticorin
DCDRF
(Combined with Tirunelveli)

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Old vacant adjacent Building, Coimbined Court Buildings,Near F.T.C.
Tuticorin-628008

0462 – 2572134
thoothukudi.dcdrf@gmail.com

28

Tiruvallur DCDRF

President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
1-D, C.V.Naidu Salai,
1st Cross Street
Tiruvallur : 602 001.

044 - 27664823
thiruvallur.dcdrf@gmail.com

29

Tiruvarur DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
52, Kumara Koil Street,
Tiruvarur : 610 001.

04366 - 224353
tiruvarur.dcdrf@gmail.com

30

Vellore DCDRF

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum, District Court Campus,
Sathuvachari,
 Vellore : 632 009.

0416 - 2254780
vellore.dcdrf@gmail.com

31

Thiruvannamalai
DCDRF
(Combined with Vellore)

President,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Near Disrict Rural Development Office, Collectorate Campus,
Vengikkal Village,
Thiruvannamalai-606 604

04175 - 232395
tiruvannamalai.dcdrf@gmail.com

32

Krishnagiri
DCDRF

President ,
District Consumer Disputes
Redressal Forum,
Coimbined Court Buildings,
Rayakottai Road,  
Krishnagiri – 635 002.

04343 - 225223
krishnagiri.dcdrf@gmail.com