Consumer refunds and digital platform guides

Reviewed on: 2026-06-12.

This category covers money you paid a private company for a service or product that was not delivered as promised: broadband never installed, deposits not refunded, speeds below the plan, warranty claims rejected, service centres overbilling, and airlines refusing compensation. The opposite party here is a private business, so the remedies differ sharply from the government-facing categories on this site.

Three routes do most of the work. First, the company's own escalation ladder: complaint number, nodal officer, appellate authority. Telecom and broadband operators must run this ladder under TRAI regulations. Second, the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or consumerhelpline.gov.in, which records the dispute and pushes a convergence response. Third, the consumer commission through e-Daakhil at edaakhil.nic.in, where you can claim refund, compensation and litigation costs. For deficiencies up to Rs 50 lakh the district commission hears the case and fees start near Rs 200.

RTI does not apply to private companies, and several guides here explain what to use instead: TRAI QoS regulations for broadband speed, DGCA rules for airline compensation, and dealer-manufacturer escalation for warranty. Pick the guide that matches your dispute.

• Broadband not installed after payment
• Broadband deposit or advance payment not refunded
• Broadband speed below the promised plan
• Car warranty claim rejected: dealer and manufacturer escalation
• Car service centre overbilling or fitting unnecessary parts
• AC installation damage and the service company denies liability
• Airline baggage damaged and compensation denied
• Airline name correction fee dispute
• Ambulance overcharging: emergency transport bill dispute

Browse all practical guides for problems outside this category.