Section 5C: Institution of prosecution.

No court shall take cognizance of an offence punishable under this Act except upon a complaint in writing made by—

(a) the Central Government or the State Government or any officer authorised by it in writing; or

(b) the person aggrieved; or

(c) a recognised consumer association, whether the person aggrieved is a member of that association or not.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, “recognised consumer association” means a voluntary consumer association registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) or any other law for the time being in force.]