The correct answer is: A. 1 year.
The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 provides for a three-tier redressal mechanism for consumers. The first level is the District Forum, which is the lowest level of the redressal mechanism. The second level is the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, and the third level is the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
The time limit for filing a complaint before the District Forum is one year from the date on which the cause of action arose. The cause of action is the act or omission that gives rise to the right to file a complaint. For example, if a consumer buys a defective product, the cause of action would be the date on which the consumer purchased the product.
If a consumer fails to file a complaint within the one-year time limit, the consumer may still be able to file a complaint if the District Forum is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for the delay. However, the District Forum is not bound to accept the consumer’s explanation for the delay, and it may dismiss the complaint if it is not satisfied with the explanation.
It is important to note that the time limit for filing a complaint is a strict time limit, and the District Forum will not entertain a complaint that is filed after the expiry of the time limit.