The Legal clinic at CAG addresses specific problems of consumers. Every year CAG handles more than 1000 consumer complaints in the form of telephonic queries, letters, emails etc. At the legal cell complaints received are first screened on merits and only if the case is capable of being addressed, does it move to the second stage. If not the complainants are informed why they do not have a case and advised accordingly.
At the next stage, CAG writes/talks to the opposite party, with a view to mediate a solution. If required, CAG also invites both parties to its premises in an attempt to bring about an amicable settlement of the dispute. Several complaints are resolved at this stage. In addition to this, CAG also provides consumer counselling over the telephone.
When such a solution is not possible, CAG informs the complainant about other available options - including litigation at the appropriate fora. In certain circumstances, the complainant unilaterally withdraws the complaint given to CAG, or chooses not to pursue the case.
While CAG encourages written complaints, we also take up consumer/investor grievances received via email or telephone and provide counseling.
If you have a consumer complaint, write to us at cag.helpdesk@gmail.com
Consumer complaints handled by CAG (January- October 2006)
Consumer Complaints CAG received and handled between January- October 2006
Category of complaint
Number of complaints
Telecom
109
Banks (Credit cards, loans, etc.)
101
Electronic Items (computer related items and others)
44
Builders
31
Insurance
19
Airlines (Tickets and Baggage)
13
Automobiles
11
Recreation clubs
4
Online shopping
5
Courier and Postal
7
Railways
5
Metro Water
4
Civil Supplies
4
TNEB
3
Unfair trade practices
16
Documented advice on the phone
57
Defective products
37
Deficiency in service
65
Total
535
Some of the consumer problems solved by CAG in the last 5 years:
Credit card Fraud addressed: Mr. Vaid had a Diners Club International credit card from Citibank and he was shocked to find…..
Airline says that’s not my problem: Prof. S. Natarajan had a valid ticket but when he went to board the aircraft…..
Construction in the suburbs, the new mafia: Ms. Prabha approached a developer to construct flats on a joint venture…..
Healthcare-less: Mr. Krishnan was shocked to find his medical bills so high….
Killed by Bill: ….she received a bill for three times the amount! Completely shocked Nalini checked the bill ….
Investor’s grieve: Ms. Shakuntala has four demat accounts…..
