To understand in which court Rajat should file a complaint, we need to understand the hierarchy of consumer courts in India.


In India, consumer disputes are resolved through a three-tier system of consumer courts, also known as consumer forums or Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. These courts are established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

The three tiers of consumer courts are as follows:

1. District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
- This is the first level of consumer courts and is established at the district level.
- It has jurisdiction over cases where the value of goods or services and the compensation claimed is up to Rs. 20 lakh.
- It is presided over by a President who is a District Judge.
- This court is suitable for cases involving smaller claims or disputes limited to a particular district.

2. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
- This is the second level of consumer courts and is established at the state level.
- It has jurisdiction over cases where the value of goods or services and the compensation claimed is between Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 1 crore.
- It is presided over by a President who is a retired High Court Judge.
- This court is suitable for cases involving higher claims or disputes that extend beyond a district.

3. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
- This is the highest level of consumer courts and is established at the national level.
- It has jurisdiction over cases where the value of goods or services and the compensation claimed is above Rs. 1 crore.
- It is presided over by a President who is a retired Supreme Court Judge.
- This court is suitable for cases involving significant claims or disputes that have national implications.


In Rajat's case, he purchased a laptop for Rs. 80,000, and the laptop screen stopped working within one week. As the laptop is still within the guarantee period, Rajat has the right to get it replaced or repaired by the company. However, the company refused to do so.

Since the value of the laptop is below Rs. 20 lakh, Rajat should file a complaint in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. This court has jurisdiction over cases with a value of goods or services up to Rs. 20 lakh. Rajat can present his case before the President of the District Commission, who is a District Judge, and seek a resolution to his complaint.

If the value of the laptop had been between Rs. 20 lakh and Rs. 1 crore, Rajat would have filed the complaint in the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. However, since the value is below Rs. 20 lakh, the District Commission is the appropriate court for Rajat's case.