Who can file a complaint before the appropriate consumer forum?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Any consumer can file a complaint and does not need the services of an advocate.

Option (1) Any consumer can file a complaint and does not need the services of an advocate. — Correct. Any consumer can file a complaint himself. He does not have to hire an advocate (lawyer), so the process stays simple and cheap.
Option (2) Any unregistered consumers association. — Incorrect. Only a registered consumers’ association can file a complaint, not an unregistered one.
Option (3) The traders who purchased the goods with the purpose of selling. — Incorrect. A person who buys goods for resale or a commercial purpose is not a consumer under the Act. So he cannot complain as a consumer.
Option (4) Any person who is relative of the consumer. — Incorrect. Being a relative is not enough. Only a legal heir or representative of a consumer who has died can file it, not any relative.

Note: The current NCERT book (2026-27) only gives a short definition of a complainant. The full list of who can file a complaint, including a registered consumers’ association, is explained in the pre-rationalised NCERT, from which the last extracts below are taken.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “2. 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;”

“(v) A legal heir or representative of a deceased consumer.”

“Consumer: … (a) Any person who buys any goods for a consideration, which has been paid or promised, or partly paid and partly promised, or under any scheme of deferred payment. It includes any user of such goods, when such use is made with the approval of the buyer, but does not include a person who obtains goods for re-sale or any commercial purpose.”