As per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 who cannot file a complaint?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Any unregistered consumers’ association

Option (1) Representative of a deceased consumer — Can file a complaint (Incorrect). The legal heir or legal representative of a consumer who has died can file on his behalf.
Option (2) The Central Government — Can file a complaint (Incorrect).
Option (3) The State Government — Can file a complaint (Incorrect).
Option (4) Any unregistered consumers’ association — Cannot file a complaint (Correct). Only a voluntary consumer association that is registered under a law in force can file. An unregistered body is not recognised by law, so it is left out.

Note: The current NCERT book (2026-27) includes ‘any voluntary consumer association’ among those who can complain, but does not say whether the association must be registered. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 allows a complaint only from a voluntary consumer association registered under any law for the time being in force, so an unregistered association cannot file one. The pre-rationalised NCERT states this plainly. Extracts from both books are given below, the current textbook first.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Terms & Definitions … Complainant: means one or more consumers, or any voluntary consumer association, central or state government or the central authority or a legal heir or legal representative or a parent or legal representative in case of a minor.”

NCERT (Pre-rationalised Edition): “Who can file a complaint?: A complaint before the appropriate consumer forum can be made by: (i) Any consumer;
(ii) Any registered consumers’ association;
(iii) The Central Government or any State Government;
(iv) One or more consumers, on behalf of numerous consumers having the same interest; and
(v) A legal heir or representative of a deceased consumer.”