Hey, I’m facing a tricky situation and need some advice. I’ve been cheated, and want to file a case in the consumer forum. Can you help me understand these things? How much does it cost to file a case? I’ve heard it’s free, but there must be some paperwork fees, right? Will the state government provide me with a lawyer free of cost? How soon after being cheated can I file a case? What is the typical timeline for resolving a consumer forum case? Can you explain the proper steps involved in filing a case?

Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, filing a complaint in a consumer forum is generally free of charge. However, you may need to pay nominal fees for paperwork and court processes. While the government might not provide a free lawyer, you can seek legal aid from organizations like the Legal Services Authority. You can file a complaint within two years from the date of the alleged cheating. The timeline for resolution varies, but it usually takes a few months to a couple of years. You can file a complaint by submitting a written application to the consumer forum, outlining your grievance and seeking appropriate redressal.