Category: Consumer Complaints

Table of Contents

• What is National Consumer Helpline (NCH)?
• What is Voxya?
• Which type of issues do they resolve?
• Where can we contact them?
• How do they solve the issue?
• How much time do they take to solve the issue?
• How can I track the status of my complaint?
• What if my problem is not solved by either of them?

Did the shopkeeper cheat you by giving you the wrong product? Was the quality not up-to-mark? Were the delivered products defective? Now you are worried about how to deal with these problems, right? Don’t worry as there are many facilities in India that will help you come out of this marshland of frauds. Out of them, one is a Government organisation named the National Consumer Helpline, another is a unique platform that helps to resolve the complaints of the customers in no time named Voxya.

What is National Consumer Helpline (NCH)?

The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution started an initiative, known as the National Consumer Helpline, to provide guidance, information and advice to the consumers regarding their grievances and concerns.

What is Voxya?

Voxya is an online consumer complaint forum. It enables the user to file consumer complaints against brands quickly. It helps the user in fighting against fraud and unresponsive customer service. Voxya leverages social media, business networks and legal frameworks to resolve consumer complaints in India. It also provides a solution to prepare consumer complaints in the consumer court or consumer forum.

Which type of issues do they resolve?

• Problems related to billing details.
• Banking problems
• Automobiles
• Education
• Medical
• Electrical appliances
• Online payments
• Shopping scams
• Credit card issues
• Bribery issues
• Transport and road problems
• Adulterated eatables
• Online courses/job search websites issues
• Gas/petrol/battery
• Misleading advertisements

Where can we contact them?

National Consumer Helpline –
One can call at 1800-11-4000 or 14404 to contact NCH authorities and file their complaints.
You can also send an SMS on 8130009809.
Visit their official website to file a complaint https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php.
You can also use Umang/Consumer app to report your issues.

Voxya-
One can file a complaint here https://voxya.com/file-consumer-complaint.
To contact Voxya, submit your details here https://voxya.com/contact-us and someone from their team will contact you.

How do they solve the issue?

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) –

NCH has partnered with many proactive companies that tend to resolve consumer complaints within no time. The data of the consumer remains completely confidential in such cases. The problem-solving methodology is an internal process. They do not charge a single penny while handling such cases.

Voxya-

Step 1 – Start social media campaign
Voxya will start a successful social media campaign as soon as you submit your details. Do you need to pay for this? No!

Step 2 – Send complaint by email
Voxya will send an email to the company against whom you are filing the complaint. Is this process also free? Yes, it is!

Step 3 – Send notice via registered post
Voxya charges a fee of Rs 899 for this process. A professional lawyer will prepare and send a legal notice to the company against whom you have filed the complaint.

Step 4 – Approach the Consumer Forum
They charge a fixed fee of Rs 1999 for preparing Case papers so that you can file a consumer forum case. The lawyer will prepare your case which you can file in the consumer forum. You do not have to pay a separate fee of Rs 1299 as stated in step 3 if you choose this option to solve your problem.

How much time do they take to solve the issue?

There is no particular timeline for solving a case. It can take 2-20 days to solve a case, depending upon the response they get from the company against whom you have filed the complaint. If the case goes to the consumer court, then there is no time limit but usually it takes 6 months to 18 months in getting decision.

How can I track the status of my complaint?

National Consumer Helpline – A customer can track the status of their complaint here: https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/track-complaint.php by entering the docket number and registered mobile number.

Voxya- Consumers can check the status of their complaints using the following URL: Check Case Status.

Consumers can also login to their accounts and check the status of their consumer complaints.

What if my problem is not solved by either of them?

Firstly, both the authorities will try their best to solve the issues. National Consumer Helpline will take the matter directly with the company’s customer support, however Voxya goes one step further and tries to get resolution by reaching to the higher management through social, business and legal framework. If company is not willing to resolve the mater, Voxya helps in taking legal action and approaching Consumer forum. Hence, chances of getting resolution are better for consumers if they decide to take legal action by approaching consumer courts under the Consumer Protection Act.

Voxya is an online consumer complaints forum trusted by 1 Lacs+ consumers in providing legal solutions to frustrated consumers and helps in resolving consumer complaints.

Table of Contents

• How to find apartments in Bangalore?
• What are the best areas to live in Bangalore?
  • Low budgeted areas
  • Moderate budgeted areas
  • Posh or expensive areas

The Silicon Valley, the greatest IT hub, and one of the finest metropolitan cities in India, whatever be the name, one will always get to know which city I am referring to. And if you guessed it right, bingo! Bangalore, now known as Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is located almost near the Western Ghats, nearer to the Deccan Plateau in India. Famous for its weather and environment, it has become a favourite tourist spot and the first choice for migrators and job locators.

It is now home to 85 lakh people and a wide range of industries. From heavy metals to electronic and telecommunications, from mining to finance, every sector has made its position in this city. How will it not attract job seekers?! A lot of people work in small, medium, and large sector industries in this city. After a tiring workday, one needs a roof to rest. And it is where the hunt for a home comes into place.

How to find apartments in Bangalore?

1. Search the net – The first thing that everyone must do is to search online. Look for places that are safe and secure. You cannot trust a particular website. So look for the results that are most common in all the searches. It will give you an idea of where to find your dream home.
   
2. Talk to your friends – Communicate and connect! Talk to your friends, your friends’ friends, their friends, to have a vast reach for your home search.
   
3. Always believe your eyes – One should not blindly trust others for locating a house. Travel with your colleagues, friends, and relatives 15-20 days before for a better home hunt process. Check the reality with your own eyes and make notes of what you see. Don’t be lethargic to use a pen and paper.
   
4. Contact different brokers – Don’t rely on a single broker for a rental apartment. Try to contact various real estate brokers that match your budget and conscience. Always try to reach different brokers in a single area. It will give an idea regarding the range of the place, its security, and whether the locality has a safe environment or not.
   
5. Beware of scams – Scam is everywhere. The 21st century it is! People are easily fooled by the brokers or landlords of the apartment. They will try to convince you in every possible way they can, but you need to stay alert. If you are a victim of any scam caused by someone, inform the police or legal authorities at once.

What are the best areas to live in Bangalore?

Bangalore is a very jolly and lively city. Of course, no city is as pure as milk. The same goes for Bangalore. Still, Bangalore ranks above Mumbai and Delhi in terms of safety against women. The nightlife is peaceful, leaving a few where there can be unwanted incidents. Law and order are maintained strictly within the city. There are various shopping malls, parks, and food corners all across for refreshments.

And not forget the pleasant all-season weather. Most Bangaloreans are fond of this weather, hardly seen in any of the cities near the coastline. By this, one can choose any locality for a rental apartment as most of them to provide home-like surroundings.

But they don’t come in everyone’s budget! Budget is the criterion that bifurcates these localities to choose for a living. According to the budget, the best areas to live in Bangalore are-

Low budgeted areas

Area	Specialty	Approximate Price
Basavanagudi	One of the oldest towns in the city, well-developed neighborhood, busy markets, various educational institutions, pleasant greenery and lakes, the large availability of independent and luxurious homes.	₹15,000-₹35,000 for 2 or 3 BHK ₹26,000-₹50,000 for luxurious homes
Kammanahalli	Getting a rental apartment is very easy in this area, famous amongst families, students, and working professionals.	₹5000-12,000 for 1, 2 BHK
Malleswaram	One of the best-planned areas, affordable, vast connectivity with other areas in the city.	₹7000-₹8000 for 1BHK
Electronic City	The hub of giant IT companies, including Wipro, TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, HCL, and many more, filled with food joints, consists of 4 phases at present.	₹8000-₹35,000 for 1, 2, 3 BHK
Marathahalli	An emerging locality in the city, famous for cheap houses and fine residential areas.	₹8000-₹30,000 for 1, 2 or 3 BHK
Bellandur	Situated near the Bellandur lake, passes through the outer ring road that makes it an important locality for migrators, currently, it is witnessing a huge housing development around the area.	₹15,000-₹60,000 for 1, 2 or 3 BHK
Yelahanka	One of the cleanest areas in the city, also the quietest, loaded with fastest-growing townships, flats will suit everyone’s budget and lifestyle, a perfect area to live a peaceful and calm life away from the city life.	₹6000-₹15,000 for 1 BHK
Hebbal	Situated near Hebbal lake, famous for affordable residential homes that can come under everyone’s budget.	₹6000-₹10,000 for 1BHK

Moderate budgeted areas

Area	Specialty	Approximate Price
BTM Layout	Three layouts, viz. Madiwala, Tavarekere and Bommanahalli make the BTM layout, close to Electronic City, modern infrastructure, a famous area for students and bachelors.	₹14,000-₹50,000 for 2 or 3 BHK
Whitefield	One of the famous areas for IT professionals, close to many international and national offices, a buzzing commercial and residential hub, the main junction between highways connecting Vizag and Hyderabad.	₹12,000-₹18,000 for 1BHK
Jayanagar	Presence of large residential and multi-story apartments in this area, located near the Bengaluru City Junction railway station, connected to the metro as well.	₹7000-₹15,000 per sq. ft.
Hoskote	An emerging locality in Neo-Bengaluru, a very good option for rental flats and apartments, is located near the intersection of two National Highways 4 and 207.	₹7000-₹10,000 for 1BHK
Kengeri	Located on the west side of the city, known as the satellite town because of various telecommunication facilities, connected with outer ring road and Mysore road.	₹10,000-₹15,000 for 1BHK
Sarjapur	Excellent connectivity with Electronic city and Whitefield, good place for families because of the presence of numerous malls, restaurants, and multiplexes.	₹8000-₹20,000 for 1BHK

Posh or expensive areas

Area	Specialty	Approximate Price
Koramangala	A wide-known residential hub, everyone wants to own a piece of land in this corner of the city, famous for villas and low-rise apartments, major businesses reside around this area.	₹9,000-₹22,000 per sq. ft.
Indiranagar	A well-established residential and commercial locality, known for its finest infrastructure, accessibility and strong connectivity.	₹25,000-₹50,000 for 1BHK
HSR Layout	One of the famous posh hubs of the city earlier was filled with water, now filled with clubs, trees, avenues, cafes and restaurants, one of the high-speed developing areas in the city.	₹5000-₹8000 per sq. ft.
M.G. Road	Located at the centre of the city, surrounded by lavish malls, restaurants, shopping areas, offices, and pubs, no doubt why the prices are high around this place to rent a flat!	₹15,000-₹60,000 for 2 or 3 BHK
Richmond Town	As the name says, suitable for people with fat salaries, mostly riches live here, located near to MG road and well-connected to other parts of the city.	₹15,000-₹45,000 per sq. ft.

Now, it’s over to you! It’s over to you whether to choose a single or a double room apartment or rent a complete duplex/triplex. Ensure to check electricity, water, Wi-Fi (if you need it), security, and other facilities before your shift. Double-check the charges, taxes, and rents. Maintain proper documentation of all the formalities and processes done while acquiring the rental house. All the best in choosing the home of your dreams!

Disclaimer – The data is subjected to change over time. Thoroughly do your research before migrating. Your risk is in your hands.

Hope the above methods help you to find apartments for rent in Bangalore.

If you are facing an issue with a real estate company, home and flat rental company, security deposit issue, etc, then you can file a complaint online at Voxya an online consumer complaint forum that helps consumers to get a replacement, refund, and compensation with an optimal solution.

Voxya is an online consumer complaints forum trusted by 1 Lacs+ consumers across India.

Table of Contents

• What is a Legal Notice?
• Importance of filing a Legal Notice
• In what cases can we send legal notice?
• What do you mean by a deficiency in the service?
• Important elements in sending a legal notice for deficiency in service
• Who can send a legal notice for deficiency in service?
• When to send a Legal Notice?
• How to draft a legal notice for Deficiency in Service?
• Best practices on sending legal notice
• The procedure of filing of a Legal Notice
• Replying to Legal Notice (What should you do after receiving a legal notice?)
• FAQs

What is a Legal Notice?

A legal notice means a letter written in clear and straight-forwarded words to a person or an organization to do or not to do certain acts, failing to which the sender can file a lawsuit against the receiver. It is an act of communicating formally between two or more parties that the sender intends to take legal action against the receiver/s. It is the first step while filing a lawsuit.

The person who sends the notice is called the sender, whereas the person or organization that receives it is called the addressee. The sender provides some time to the addressee to resolve the issue or present his side in court.

It has several advantages. Few of them are-

• Saves money
• Saves time
• Reach common consensus
• Provides a reasonable and fair chance

Importance of filing a Legal Notice

According to the lawsuit, the notice is an act or reminder for the receiver from the sender. The receiver needs to visit the court if he fails to do whatever the notice says.
A legal notice depicts the intention of the sender towards the addressee of filing a lawsuit against him.
The sender can easily express his grievances in the notice with the help of a lawyer.
It gives some time to the addressee to resolve the issue before he visits the court.

In what cases can we send a legal notice?

• Non-payment of salary
• Matrimonial issues
• Issues related to property
• Payment of insurance claims issue
• Problems related to negotiable instruments
• Sexual harassment

What do you mean by a deficiency in the service?

According to Section 2(1)(g) of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, “deficiency” means any fault, imperfection, shortcoming or inadequacy in the quality, nature and manner of performance which is required to be maintained by or under any law for the time being in force or has been undertaken to be performed by a person in pursuance of a contract or otherwise about any service.

According to Section 2(1)(o), “service” means service of any description which is made available to potential [users and includes, but not limited to, the provision of] facilities in connection with banking, financing insurance, transport, processing, supply of electrical or other energy, board or lodging or both, [housing construction,] entertainment, amusement or the purveying of news or other information, but does not include the rendering of any service free of charge or under a contract of personal service; “spurious goods and services” mean such goods and services which are claimed to be genuine but they are not so.

Important elements in sending a legal notice for deficiency in service

The service shall not only be available to its actual users, but also to those who are fully capable of using it.
Any person cannot send a legal notice for deficiency in service if the service provided is free of cost. For instance, if you take medical supplies from a charitable dispensary, you cannot sue the dispensary for the deficiency in service.
The service provided should not be under any kind of contract of personal service.

Who can send a legal notice for deficiency in service?

Section 2(d) of the Consumer Protection Act says that consumer means any person who –
buys any goods for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment and includes any user of such goods other than the person who buys such goods for consideration paid or promised or partly paid or partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment, when such use is made with the approval of such person but does not include a person who obtains such goods for resale or any commercial purpose; or

hires or avails of any service for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment and includes any beneficiary of such service other than the person who hires or avails of the services for consideration paid or promised, or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment, when such services are availed of with the approval of the first-mentioned person, but does not include a person who avails of such service for any commercial purpose.

When to send a Legal Notice?

Only civil cases have to be filed using legal notice. The criminal cases have to be registered through warrants issued by the State. The cases in which legal notice has to be sent are:

• consumer complaint issues like a false advertisement, faulty products or misleading the public
• property issues like
• eviction of the tenant
• issue of partition between family members
• delay of the builder is handing over the property

How to draft a legal notice for deficiency in service?

The notice should have these essential points in it:

• name, description, address of the office or the place of residence of the addressee
• name, description, address of the office or the place of residence of the sender
• details of the issue
• the relief claimed by the sender
• a detailed explanation of the service purchased which caused all the trouble
• amount to be claimed as the compensation
• the time within which the addressee can resolve the issue

Best practices on sending legal notice

• always keep copies of the notice with you
• if there is a logo of the lawyer, prefer colour printouts of the notice
• contacting a lawyer to draft notice is recommended
• both the client and lawyer should be present
• make sure the notice is drafted in the lawyer’s letter pad
• post the notice in the envelope that has the lawyer’s logo on it, ask the lawyer to provide you with such an envelope

The procedure of filing a legal notice

• Look for an advocate with good drafting skills.
• The notice has to be sent in any Indian language (English preferred).
• All the details have to be mentioned in the notice.
• Explain all the issues and matters to the advocate.
• The advocate examines your case.
• After making pointers from your explanation, the advocate starts drafting the notice.
• Provided around 15-30 days for the addressee to settle the matter by negotiation.
• The notice has to be signed by both the advocate and the client.
• The lawyer keeps a copy of the notice with him.
• Depending on the response from the addressee, the lawyer updates the sender about the notice and further plans.

Replying to Legal Notice (What should you do after receiving a legal notice?)

If you receive a legal notice, it is recommended to reply to the notice within the given time frame. While replying to the notice, keep certain points in your mind:

• Read the notice properly, read about the issue raised by the sender and the compensation price.
• Contact your lawyer regarding the notice you receive. Keep your limited time frame in your mind.
• Discuss with your lawyer what to do with the notice, and choose the advantageous path.
• Ask him to draft a proper reply to the legal notice.
• Send the reply to the sender. Keep a copy of the reply with yourself and your lawyer.

FAQs

Can I send legal notice by WhatsApp?
Yes, legal notice over WhatsApp is valid under the law. The blue tick is the evidence that the addressee has seen the notice. It is recommended to keep a copy of the notice printout with you and send it to the addressee as well.

Is it compulsory to send a legal notice before filing a case?
No! It is not compulsory. But it becomes compulsory to send a notice under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure when a person is planning to file a suit against the Government or Government body.

How to send a legal notice to an employer?
The notice has to be sent over email, WhatsApp or by courier.

Can a legal notice be sent by email?
Yes, legal notice over email is valid under the law. It is recommended to keep a copy of the notice printout with you and send it to the addressee as well.

Is it necessary to reply to a legal notice?
No! It is not necessary to reply to the legal notice, but it is highly suggested to answer within the given time frame to avoid further issues.

Also know: Most Affordable Option to send a legal notice in India