In just over a month since the country’s first consumer court began operations, only six cases have been filed by consumers seeking compensation. Officials believe this low number is mainly due to a lack of public awareness regarding the court’s existence and purpose.

“Only six cases have been filed in more than five weeks of the court’s operation. This may be due to a limited consumer awareness, as very few complaints are coming in,” said Shobhakar Kharel, the court’s registrar. He added that they are hopeful more people will come forward in the coming days.

Consumers can file complaints either by hiring a lawyer or representing themselves. They can also seek support from consumer rights organiations, which can assist in navigating the complaint process.

Among the recent cases, one was filed by Barsha Bhandari, a resident of Dhumrabarahi, on March 24. She accused Grande City Hospital, based in Kanitpath, of medical negligence that allegedly led to a botched surgery.

Bhandari had visited the hospital for plastic surgery on her leg to tighten muscles by removing fat. She consulted Dr Sanjeev Tripathi, who claimed to be an experienced plastic surgeon.

However, after undergoing the fat removal procedure two to three times, her condition reportedly worsened, and the area became looser than before.

Bhandari is demanding Rs31.7 million in compensation. According to registrar Kharel, the case has been referred for an out-of-court settlement, with the first meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

Another case was filed on April 16 against GRS Two Wheelers Auto Private Limited, located in Jamal. The complaint was lodged by Laxman Thapa, who purchased a Yamaha motorbike for Rs445,900.

According to Thapa, the seller assured him it was the latest model, although it had been manufactured a year earlier.

Shortly after the purchase, the bike began showing problems. Its self-start function and battery failed, the paint began to fade, it lacked pickup, and the engine developed issues. The case has also been set for a preliminary out-of-court settlement discussion.

On Sunday, another consumer, Chiranjibi Thapa, filed a case against New Laptop Trader in New Road, Kathmandu, demanding Rs71,500 in compensation. Thapa purchased a laptop for the same amount but faced battery problems soon after.

He attempted to return the laptop within the seven-day window, but the seller refused to refund or replace it.

Kharel noted that of the three initial cases filed after the court opened, two have already been directed towards out-of-court settlements.

At the same time, one complainant decided to withdraw the case.

Nepal’s first consumer court began operating on March 15 from within the Department of Cottage and Small Scale Industries premises at Tripureshwar. For now, it only handles cases from the Kathmandu Valley—specifically Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur—due to budget limitations.

However, the Supreme Court has issued instructions for the establishment of consumer courts beyond the Valley in the future.

The first case ever filed in the new consumer court was submitted by Basanta Gautam, a resident of ward 9 in Budanilkantha Municipality. Gautam accused Om Hospital and Research Centre in Chabahil of medical negligence, claiming it caused the death of his father.

Being a lawyer himself, Gautam filed the case against the hospital and two doctors, seeking Rs50 million in compensation for their alleged serious errors in treatment.

The initial meeting for an out-of-court settlement in this case took place on Sunday. Kharel said a second meeting will be arranged soon. If both parties fail to reach a mutual agreement, the case will be forwarded to a judge for formal proceedings.

Another case filed last month involved Savitri Thapa, a resident of ward 13 in Godavari Municipality. She purchased a silver idol from a shop for Rs 4,600 but returned it within seven days, expecting a full refund. However, the seller deducted Rs2,375 and refunded only Rs2,225.

The first round of discussions for a settlement has already taken place in her case, with a second meeting planned.

Kharel emphasised that consumers have the right to file a case if they do not receive the goods or services as promised after making a payment.

He explained that complaints can be filed even for delayed flights or food poisoning caused by eating at restaurants. Consumers need to present a purchase receipt and provide an estimate of financial, physical, and mental losses caused by the faulty goods or services.

They can then file a complaint in court by applying.

He added that consumers must file their complaints within six months of the purchase date and original bills must be included with the application.