• Amendment of complaint procedure

I wish to clarify some doubts regarding amendment application. I have a consumer complaint pending. OP has filed a reply and raised objections. The commission called for my evidence. I wish to correct the complaint, add documents, insert events, insert prayers, and attach citations.

I need to file an application for amendment and seek additional time. So far so good. My queries are about the procedure:

1 Do I need to highlight/ underline/ mark in red the modified portions in some way? Or can I keep the original formatting and plainly insert the changes?

2 Date of certified copy true copy notarization. What will be dates on affidavits, true copy notarizations?

3 events after the complaint date: Can I insert events that occurred after the date of the complaint since they're a little importance?

4 Citations of court orders certified copy. Can I obtain court order PDF simply from the court site and get it true copy certified from the local notary? 

5 How many copies need to be given? 3 for members + 1 for party? or just one 
 
6 annexure ordering and page numbers can be fully modified right?
Asked 2 months ago in Consumer Law

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12 Answers

If you want to amend or add any pleadings, you may have to insert them in a particular paragraph or whichever place you want to make the amendment by mentioning the same in your IA clearly.

The date of the affidavit will be the date of filing it before the commission.

If you want to add the events to your complaint, it can be done by filing an amendment petition.

Local Notary public cannot certify the court judgment, the web donwloaded citations are accepted as it is without the necessity for an attestation also.

Copies to all members besides to the opposite parties.

You can give subsequent page numbers.

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
89953 Answers
2490 Consultations

You may have to mention each and every amendment you propose to carry out in the complaint separately.

You better take the assistance of an advocate for all such practical issues for proper guidance.

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
89953 Answers
2490 Consultations

Since you are moving an amendment application before the Consumer Commission, the process is broadly guided by principles of natural justice and civil procedure, though not as rigid as in civil courts. Let me address your queries one by one in a practical way:

  1. Highlighting amendments – It is always better to make it easy for the Commission and the opposite party to see what changes you are proposing. Normally, the accepted practice is to either underline, or show in red ink, or by side-marking the portions you wish to amend. Some Commissions insist on a “comparative statement” – i.e., original text and proposed text side by side. Keeping the original formatting and simply inserting changes without marking may create confusion and invite objections.

  2. Dates on affidavits / true copies / notarization – These should all bear the date of the day on which they are signed or attested. For example, if you file your amended complaint and supporting affidavit tomorrow, then the affidavit carries tomorrow’s date, and any “true copy” notarization also carries that same date. The earlier dates in your original complaint do not need to be repeated – each document speaks from its own date.

  3. Events after complaint date – Normally, amendment is to bring the pleadings up to date with facts that existed when the complaint was filed. But, if subsequent events are directly relevant to your case (for example, further deficiency in service, further correspondence, continued harassment, or additional losses), you can definitely seek to incorporate them. The Commission has discretion to allow this if it helps adjudication.

  4. Court order PDFs and certification – If you download judgments from official court websites (like Supreme Court, High Courts, NCDRC), those are authentic copies in themselves and generally accepted by Consumer Fora without notarization. If you still want to be extra safe, you may get them notarized as “true copies.” Notaries usually attest downloaded judgments if you produce them. Certified copies from the court registry are not mandatory unless specifically directed.

  5. Number of copies – Usually, you file one original for the Commission and enough copies for each opposite party. Many Commissions require 3 sets (for the Bench members) plus one for office record, plus copies for each OP. It’s safer to prepare at least 4–5 complete sets. The filing counter will tell you exactly how many.

  6. Annexure ordering and page numbers – Yes, when you file an amended complaint, you can completely renumber the annexures and pages so that the whole document flows smoothly. Just ensure consistency between your list of documents/annexures and the text.

  7. Listing amendments in the application – Yes, you must specifically mention what amendments you are seeking. Courts and Commissions do not allow blanket permissions like “let me amend as I wish.” You need to set out either the exact changes or at least the nature of amendments (e.g., “to add subsequent events dated so and so,” “to insert additional prayers,” “to annex additional documents,” etc.). If the order allows your amendment application in broad terms, you can then modify accordingly, but be transparent and precise in the application.

If you want, we can help you draft the amendment application in a crisp and convincing manner, mentioning your grounds (subsequent events, completeness of record, ends of justice, etc.) and the specific relief you are seeking. Would you like us to prepare a model draft for you?

Indu Verma
Advocate, Chandigarh
169 Answers
8 Consultations

You have to list each and every amendment that you will make 

 

you cannot give some examples and then modify complaint as you wish 

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
99751 Answers
8141 Consultations

Amendments have to be on red 

 

2) you dont have to mention  citations in your amendment application 

 

3) make 5 copies 

 

4) annexures and paging can be modified 

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
99751 Answers
8141 Consultations

Amend your complaint by filing an application under the forum’s amendment rules without marking changes. Sign affidavits and certify true‐copies with the actual notarization date. You may add post‐complaint events if relevant. Download court orders, print, and notarize them as true copies. Submit one set plus copies for each opposite party (check your forum’s exact copy count). Renumber annexures continuously. In the application, briefly describe the categories of amendments (e.g., “adding documents,” “inserting events,” “modifying prayers”).

Shubham Goyal
Advocate, Delhi
2052 Answers
14 Consultations

You havw to make an application of amending the complaint by giving reasons of amending the same. The same will be kept for hearing and court will allow it if amendment is admissible 

Prashant Nayak
Advocate, Mumbai
34492 Answers
248 Consultations

You have filed a consumer complaint in which the opposite party has submitted its reply and raised objections. The Commission has called for your evidence, and you now wish to correct your complaint, add missing documents, insert certain events, include additional prayers, and attach legal citations. You are planning to file an application for amendment and seek some additional time. The following explains how to properly prepare and file the application.

When you make changes in a complaint that is already on record, it is best practice to mark or indicate all modifications. You can underline or bold new insertions and use strikethrough for deletions. This helps the Commission and the other party identify exactly what has been changed. You should also file one clean amended copy without markings, so that once permission is granted, that version can be taken on record. It is advisable not to use red ink because it photocopies poorly.

Your affidavit in support of the amendment must carry the current date — the date you sign and file it. Similarly, if you notarize or certify annexures as true copies, they will bear the date of attestation or notarization. You do not need to backdate any document; all dates should reflect the day of actual execution or filing.

You are allowed to include events that took place after filing the complaint, provided they are connected with your original cause of action and show ongoing or subsequent developments. These are considered material facts and can be inserted in the amended version. You should clearly mention that these are subsequent events occurring after filing, and they are being added to present a complete factual picture.

Regarding legal citations or case laws, you do not need certified copies from courts. Printouts or PDFs from official sources such as the Supreme Court, High Court, or recognized databases are accepted. If you wish, you may notarize them locally as true copies, and the notary can attest them. This is sufficient, and there is no requirement to obtain formal certification from the court registry for precedents.

When submitting your amended documents, bring multiple sets. Typically, one original is for the record, one for each member of the bench, and one for the opposite party. In most commissions, four sets — one for record, two for bench members, and one for the respondent — are adequate. The filing clerk at the Commission can confirm the exact number needed for that forum.

After the amendment is allowed, you can renumber and reorder your annexures and re-paginate the complaint. This helps maintain clarity and ensures your filing is organized. It is good practice to mention in your application that you seek permission to renumber annexures and update pagination for convenience.

When drafting your amendment application, you should briefly list the nature of the changes you intend to make. You do not need to describe every line you will modify, but you must state the general purpose — for example, adding documents omitted earlier, inserting later events, clarifying facts, or adding a prayer related to issues already pleaded. As long as the changes are linked to your original cause of action and do not alter the substance of the complaint, the Commission will usually allow them.

Your application can include a statement like: the complainant seeks to insert additional facts that occurred after filing, attach documents that were inadvertently omitted, and include one clarificatory prayer based on the same cause of action. You may then file the amended complaint in clean form once permission is granted.

All new documents, annexures, and citations should bear the current date and be properly indexed. Once the amended version is ready, file it along with the application and affidavit, enclosing both the marked-up and clean copies. Keep copies for yourself and for service to the opposite party.

Consumer Commissions are procedural forums that focus on substantive justice rather than rigid technical rules. As long as your amendment is transparent, relevant, and not intended to delay the proceedings, it will be permitted. The best approach is to clearly explain why each change is necessary for fair adjudication and attach all relevant materials in an orderly way.

If you want help drafting the amendment application and affidavit with correct formatting and content, you can reach out for assistance to ensure it meets the Commission’s procedural expectations.

Yuganshu Sharma
Advocate, Delhi
943 Answers
2 Consultations

1. Marking changes:

Yes, mark new insertions in red or underline them. Mention in the application that amended portions are highlighted.

 

2. Dates: Affidavit and notarization should carry the current date of filing.

 

3. Later events: You can add later events only if they’re relevant to the case (e.g., continued deficiency).

 

4. Citations: Download orders from official sites and get them notarized as true copies—certified copies not needed unless disputed.

 

5. Copies: Keep 4 sets—one for filing, one for each Member, and one for the opposite party.

 

6. Annexures: You can fully renumber and repaginate annexures and documents.

 

7. Listing amendments: List all changes clearly (para numbers, additions, deletions). You can’t seek open-ended permission to amend later.

Adarsh Kumar Mishra
Advocate, New Delhi
195 Answers

7 Do I need to list out each and every amendment that I will make later in the application? or can i give some examples to get the application approved and then modify the complaint as I wish ?

Ans. List out all the amendments separately, saying in such and such Paragraph and such and such line…..you to ass the following ‘……….’

In short, you have no specify all your amendments in your application seeking amendment and incorporate the amendments only once your amendment application is allowed.

Vibhanshu Srivastava
Advocate, Lucknow
9763 Answers
323 Consultations

Dear Client, 

  1. Highlighting Modifications: It is preferred and often expected that the changes in your amended complaint be clearly highlighted, typically by underlining, using a different color (such as red), or side-marking the amended portions. Some forums may ask for a comparative table showing the original and changed text. Simply inserting changes without any marking may cause confusion, so marking amended portions is best practice.

  2. Dates for Affidavits/True Copies: The date on affidavits and notarizations should be the day they are signed or notarized—these are fresh documents supporting your amended pleading, so they carry the current date, not the original complaint’s date. Each new filing (including amendments, affidavits, or true copies) always reflects its own date of execution.

  3. Events after the Original Complaint: If events that occurred after you filed your complaint are relevant and connected (such as continuing deficiency, subsequent harassment, etc.), you may request the Commission’s permission to incorporate those facts in the amendment. Whether these post-filing events can be included depends on their relevance and timing, but usually, if they relate directly to your original grievance or further harm suffered, the Commission may allow them.

  4. Citations and Certification: Judgments and court orders downloaded from official court websites (Supreme Court, High Courts, NCDRC) are accepted as authentic, and true copy notarization is generally not mandatory in consumer forums unless specifically required. You may, however, choose to notarize the PDF for extra assurance.

  5. Number of Copies: Standard practice is to file one original for the Commission plus enough sets for all members of the Bench and each opposite party. Often, 3 (for Bench members) + 1 (for office record) + 1 for each opposite party is prepared, so plan on minimum 4–5 copies unless the registry staff specify otherwise.

  6. Annexure and Pagination: You can renumber and reorder annexures/pages in your amended complaint to maintain logical order and clarity. Just make sure any changes are consistently reflected in your list of documents and in references within your pleadings.
    I hope this answer helps. For any more queries, do not hesitate to contact us.

Anik Miu
Advocate, Bangalore
11005 Answers
125 Consultations

1. You can move an application under order 7 rule 17 of CPC before the same Court with an amendment plaint 

2. The affidavit should be attested from the Oath Commissioner 

3. You can separately submit the same , and can also attach with the said application for amendment.

4. No need to attach any certified copy if the said same court has pass the orders 

5. Yes

6. yes

Mohammed Shahzad
Advocate, Delhi
15794 Answers
242 Consultations

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