A consumer discovers a deficiency and files a complaint before the consumer forum MORE THAN two years after the cause of action arose, but explains the delay. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, a complaint must be filed within:

Section 69 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 provides that a complaint shall be instituted within TWO YEARS from the date on which the CAUSE OF ACTION arose, but the consumer fora have discretion to entertain a complaint filed after that period where the complainant shows SUFFICIENT CAUSE for not filing it earlier (the two-year period is condonable). The limitation period for consumer complaints is therefore two years (as contrasted with general-three-year suits), subject to condonation. The two-year-plus-condonation frame is the operative limitation rule for consumer complaints. Delay beyond a bona fide explanation will bar the complaint.