Section 69 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Section 69 sets the time limit for filing a consumer complaint: two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen. A late complaint can still be entertained if the complainant shows sufficient cause, but the Commission must record its reasons for condoning the delay. Because the whole complaint can fail on this point, it is the first thing to check before filing; our consumer complaint filing team can help you work out the dates.
The District, State or National Commission shall not admit a complaint unless it is filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen (69(1)). Despite that, a complaint may be entertained after two years if the complainant satisfies the Commission that there was sufficient cause for the delay (69(2)). The Commission must record its reasons for condoning the delay (proviso to 69(2)); without recorded reasons, it cannot entertain the late complaint.
Section 69 at a glance
| Provision | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 69(1) | Two-year limit | From the date on which the cause of action has arisen; applies to all three Commissions |
| 69(2) | Late complaints | May be entertained if the complainant satisfies the Commission of sufficient cause |
| Proviso to 69(2) | Reasons | No late complaint to be entertained unless the Commission records its reasons for condoning the delay |
Section 69(1): two years from the cause of action
"The District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission shall not admit a complaint unless it is filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen."
What the words mean for you:
- It applies at every level. The same two years apply whether the complaint goes to the District, State or National Commission. The money limits that decide which Commission hears a complaint are separate; see pecuniary jurisdiction and which forum to approach.
- "Shall not admit". This is a bar on admission. It speaks to the Commission at the stage of admitting the complaint, which is section 36 in the Act's scheme.
- The clock runs from the cause of action. The Act does not define "cause of action". The text gives no list of dates, for example the date of purchase, date of defect, date of refusal of a claim or date of last payment. Those choices depend on the facts.
- Two years, not "24 months from receipt of notice". The count is from the cause of action, not from a legal notice or a reply to one. The text does not say that sending a notice stops or restarts the clock.
- Filing is what counts. The test is "unless it is filed within two years". The section does not tie the limit to the date of admission or to the date of hearing.
Example. Mr Bose buys a refrigerator on 1 March of one year. The compressor fails on 10 January of the next year and the dealer refuses to repair it on 20 January. Depending on the facts, the cause of action may be taken to arise on the date of failure or refusal. The Act does not say which date applies; it says only that the two years run from the date the cause of action has arisen. A complainant who is near the end of two years should file rather than debate the date.
Section 69(2): late complaints and sufficient cause
"Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), a complaint may be entertained after the period specified in sub-section (1), if the complainant satisfies the District Commission, the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, that he had sufficient cause for not filing the complaint within such period."
- Burden on the complainant. The complainant must "satisfy" the Commission. It is not enough to file late and wait to be questioned.
- "Sufficient cause" is not defined. The Act gives no examples, and no maximum delay that can be condoned. A very long delay is therefore not barred in terms by the text, but it must be justified.
- "May be entertained". The power is discretionary. Showing sufficient cause does not oblige the Commission to condone the delay; it only makes it possible.
- The section speaks of the complainant. It does not mention the opposite party, but the opposite party is not stopped from raising limitation, because section 69(1) is a bar on admission.
The proviso: recorded reasons
"Provided that no such complaint shall be entertained unless the District Commission or the State Commission or the National Commission, as the case may be, records its reasons for condoning such delay."
The proviso is a safeguard. If the Commission condones a delay, its order must show why. A late complaint admitted without recorded reasons is not entertained within the proviso's terms. The Act does not say what follows if reasons are missing, for example whether the defect can be corrected later; it is silent on that.
| Stage | What section 69 requires |
|---|---|
| Filing | Within two years of the cause of action |
| Late filing | Complainant shows sufficient cause |
| Admission of a late complaint | Commission records reasons for condoning the delay |
How section 69 fits with other provisions
- Admission. The complaint is admitted or rejected after the steps in section 36. See the admission of a complaint under section 36.
- Appeals have their own periods. An appeal to the National Commission, an appeal to the Supreme Court or an appeal against an order under section 72 each have time limits stated in their own sections. For the thirty-day period in an appeal to the Supreme Court, see sections 67–68. Section 69 deals with complaints only.
- Other laws. Section 100 says the Act is in addition to other laws. Whether the limitation under another statute differs for a different remedy is outside this section.
What the text leaves out
- It does not say when a cause of action "arises" in continuing wrongs, such as a service that keeps failing, and gives no rule for each case.
- It does not state whether the time spent in mediation, in a legal notice or before another forum is excluded.
- It sets no form for a delay application and no fee. Those are matters for the rules and regulations, which are not in the source text.
Need help checking your limitation date?
If you are close to two years, or already past it, the first task is to fix the date the cause of action arose and collect the papers that show sufficient cause for any delay. Our team can review the dates and prepare the complaint with a delay application where needed. Start with consumer complaint filing and bring the bills, correspondence and any refusal letter.
Key takeaways
- A complaint must be filed within two years from the date the cause of action arose (69(1)).
- The Commission shall not admit a complaint filed later, unless sufficient cause is shown (69(2)).
- The complainant has to satisfy the Commission about sufficient cause.
- The Commission must record its reasons for condoning the delay.
- The Act does not define "cause of action" or "sufficient cause".
Read next
- Sections 67–68: appeal to the Supreme Court and finality of orders
- Section 70: administrative control over Commissions
- How to File Consumer Complaint at District Forum
- Consumer Complaint Draft Template
Disclaimer: Based on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as enacted, as consulted on 1 October 2026. Monetary limits, fees and procedure are set or revised by rules and regulations made under the Act and should be checked in their current form. This article is general information, not legal advice; check the official text before acting.