{"id":74,"date":"2026-07-25T04:06:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T04:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/?p=74"},"modified":"2026-07-18T04:15:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T04:15:43","slug":"how-do-i-file-a-complaint-on-the-new-msme-odr-portal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/how-do-i-file-a-complaint-on-the-new-msme-odr-portal\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I file a complaint on the new MSME ODR portal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Praveen-Podcast-1-1024x768.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-75\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Praveen-Podcast-1-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Praveen-Podcast-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Praveen-Podcast-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Praveen-Podcast-1.png 1448w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I file a complaint on the new MSME ODR portal?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To file a delayed-payment complaint, visit the official&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/odr.msme.gov.in\/\">MSME ODR portal<\/a>, authenticate your enterprise details, enter the buyer and invoice information, upload evidence of supply and non-payment, verify the amount claimed and submit the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The portal first creates an opportunity for online resolution. If the dispute is not settled, it can proceed through the statutory Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council process under Section 18 of the MSMED Act, 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This is a main\/pillar topic because it covers eligibility, preparation, online filing, interest calculation and the complete post-filing process. The detailed guide below is therefore approximately 2,000\u20133,000 words.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the new MSME ODR portal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The MSME Online Dispute Resolution\u2014or ODR\u2014portal is the Government of India\u2019s new digital system for dealing with delayed-payment disputes raised by eligible Micro and Small Enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The portal was launched on 27 June 2025. It is intended to provide an end-to-end online process, beginning with the filing of a claim and continuing through online resolution, conciliation, arbitration and final disposal where necessary. The older MSME Samadhaan website now directs businesses to use the ODR portal for new delayed-payment applications.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2139800\">See the Ministry of MSME announcement<\/a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/samadhaan.msme.gov.in\/\">MSME Samadhaan portal notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, the ODR portal has not abolished the Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council, commonly called the MSEFC. It is the digital gateway and resolution system through which the legal rights contained in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006\u2014the MSMED Act\u2014are pursued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic legal protection remains the same:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Section 15 requires a buyer to pay an eligible Micro or Small supplier within the agreed period, subject to a maximum of 45 days from acceptance or deemed acceptance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 16 makes the buyer liable for compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI bank rate when payment is delayed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 17 entitles the supplier to recover both the unpaid principal and the statutory interest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Section 18 permits a reference to the Facilitation Council and provides for conciliation followed, if necessary, by arbitration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can read the statutory provisions in the official&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiacode.nic.in\/bitstream\/123456789\/2013\/3\/A2006-27.pdf\">MSMED Act, 2006<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who can file a complaint on the MSME ODR portal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The delayed-payment mechanism principally protects a qualifying Micro or Small enterprise that has supplied goods or provided services to a buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before filing, check the following points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are you classified as Micro or Small?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your Udyam registration and classification history should show that you were an eligible Micro or Small enterprise for the relevant supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An enterprise classified only as Medium should not assume that it can use the delayed-payment provisions. The definition of \u201csupplier\u201d in Section 2(n)\u2014the provision identifying who receives this special protection\u2014is focused on Micro and Small enterprises and the specified bodies mentioned in that definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are you a manufacturer or service provider?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturing enterprises and service providers are ordinarily within the delayed-payment framework, subject to the other legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pure trader that simply purchases finished goods and resells them without any manufacturing or qualifying service element may have an Udyam registration for certain purposes, including priority-sector lending, but should not automatically assume that it qualifies as a \u201csupplier\u201d for a Facilitation Council claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your business supplies goods together with installation, design, repair, customisation, maintenance or another genuine service, obtain advice on whether the qualifying activity can support the claim. Your contract and invoices should separately and honestly identify the service component.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was your registration obtained before the transaction?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest position is to have Udyam registration before entering into or performing the relevant supply transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The effect of registration obtained after the contract or supply has been the subject of significant litigation. Do not conceal a late registration date or describe yourself as registered at a time when you were not. Disclose the complete facts and obtain advice if registration occurred during an ongoing supply relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there a genuine buyer-supplier payment dispute?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ODR portal is meant for payment due for goods supplied or services rendered. It is not a general grievance portal for every disagreement involving an MSME.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, it is normally relevant where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>goods were delivered but invoices remain unpaid;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>services were completed but professional fees remain outstanding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the buyer paid part of the invoice but withheld the balance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>retention money has become contractually due but has not been released; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the buyer has delayed payment beyond the permissible period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dispute involving damages, termination, intellectual property, employment or an unrelated loan may require another legal forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do before opening the portal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not start filling out the application with documents scattered across email accounts, WhatsApp chats and office files. Prepare a single claim folder first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your claim is essentially a timeline. You must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what the buyer ordered;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what you supplied;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>when the buyer accepted it;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>when payment became due;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>what remains unpaid; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how you calculated interest.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which documents should be kept ready?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Document<\/th><th>What it helps prove<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Udyam registration certificate and classification history<\/td><td>Your status as an eligible Micro or Small enterprise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PAN, GST details and business constitution documents<\/td><td>The legal identity of the claimant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purchase order, work order or agreement<\/td><td>What the buyer ordered and the agreed payment period<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tax invoices<\/td><td>The amount, date and nature of each supply<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Delivery challans, e-way bills and proof of delivery<\/td><td>When and where goods were delivered<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Service reports, timesheets or completion certificates<\/td><td>That the contracted services were performed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Emails or messages confirming receipt<\/td><td>Acceptance of goods or services<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Buyer\u2019s objections and your response<\/td><td>Whether an objection was timely and when it was resolved<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ledger and statement of account<\/td><td>The outstanding principal after payments and credit notes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bank statement or payment record<\/td><td>Part-payments received and their dates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Balance confirmation or acknowledgement<\/td><td>The buyer\u2019s admission of the outstanding amount<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Demand notice and delivery proof<\/td><td>That payment was formally demanded<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Interest calculation<\/td><td>The amount claimed under Section 16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Authorisation letter or board resolution<\/td><td>Authority of the person filing for the enterprise<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Documents should be clear, readable and properly named. \u201cInvoice-104-PDF\u201d is more useful than \u201cscan003-final-new.pdf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where there are many invoices, create an invoice-wise statement containing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>invoice number and date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoice value;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delivery or completion date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payment due date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>amount received;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>date of part-payment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit or debit notes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>balance principal; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interest calculated up to a stated date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I identify the correct buyer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enter the buyer\u2019s legal name, not merely its trade name or brand name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a company, use the name appearing in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs records and on the purchase order. Include the registered office, relevant operational address, email address and available corporate identification and tax details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For an LLP, partnership firm, proprietorship, government department or public-sector undertaking, identify the correct contracting entity. A brand, branch office, project name or employee is not necessarily the legal buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters because notice must reach the proper party. Naming the wrong entity can delay the claim and may require amendment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if the purchase order was issued by \u201cABC Infrastructure Private Limited,\u201d the claim should not casually be filed against \u201cABC Group\u201d merely because that name appears on the buyer\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I file the complaint step by step?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portal menus and button labels can change as the system is updated. The practical filing sequence, however, is as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Open the official portal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go directly to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/odr.msme.gov.in\/\">odr.msme.gov.in<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid websites that use similar names but offer paid consultancy services unless you deliberately want private professional assistance. Check that the domain ends in&nbsp;<strong>gov.in<\/strong>&nbsp;before entering your Udyam, PAN or business information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Register or authenticate the claimant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Select the claimant or MSE filing option displayed on the portal. Authenticate the enterprise using the credentials and verification method requested by the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep access to the mobile number and email address connected with the enterprise. If the portal cannot verify your information, first check whether the details entered match the Udyam record exactly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not create inconsistent profiles with shortened business names, different PAN details or an old enterprise address unless the system specifically permits those details to be updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Confirm the enterprise details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review the information retrieved or requested by the portal, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Udyam registration number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>enterprise name;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>classification;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>registered address;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAN and GST details where applicable;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>type of activity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>authorised representative; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contact information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your enterprise changed from Micro to Small, or from Small to Medium, preserve the classification record relevant to the dates of supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Add the buyer\u2019s details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enter the buyer\u2019s exact legal name, constitution, address and contact details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use an email address that is actually connected with the dispute\u2014such as the accounts department, legal department, purchase department or authorised officer\u2014rather than relying only on a general customer-care address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the buyer has more than one office, include the registered office as well as the location that issued the purchase order or received the supply, if the portal allows additional addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Enter the transaction and invoice information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enter each invoice carefully. The portal may require invoice-wise particulars or a consolidated claim statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The information generally required includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>purchase order or agreement details;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoice number and date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nature of goods or services;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoice value;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delivery or completion date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>agreed payment period;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payments already received;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credit notes or deductions; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>principal balance claimed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not claim the original invoice total if part of it has already been paid. Claim the actual balance after adjusting admitted credits and payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the buyer disputes only one invoice out of ten, identify that position instead of presenting every invoice as equally contested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6: Fix the acceptance and due dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The acceptance date is important because the statutory payment and interest clocks depend upon it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Section 2(b), \u201cappointed day\u201d broadly means the day immediately following 15 days from acceptance or deemed acceptance of goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 15 then works in two common ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If there is a written payment agreement, payment must be made by the agreed date, but the agreed period cannot exceed 45 days from acceptance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If there is no written payment agreement, the statutory structure based on the appointed day becomes important; in practical terms, do not automatically insert 45 days merely because that is the outer ceiling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suppose goods were accepted on 1 July and the written purchase order allowed 30 days\u2019 credit. Payment becomes due according to that 30-day term. The buyer cannot unilaterally use the full 45 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the written term says \u201cpayment in 90 days,\u201d the MSMED Act does not permit the buyer to postpone the statutory consequence beyond the 45-day ceiling for a qualifying supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A written objection raised within 15 days of delivery may affect the acceptance date. If the buyer complained about quantity or quality, upload the objection and the document showing when it was resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7: Calculate the principal and statutory interest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 16 provides for compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI bank rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As of July 2026, an RBI bank rate of 5.50% produces a statutory nominal annual rate of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5.50% \u00d7 3 = 16.50% per annum, compounded monthly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always verify the bank rate applicable to the relevant period. Do not use the repo rate merely because it is more commonly reported in the news; the statutory wording refers to the RBI&nbsp;<strong>bank rate<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the interest look like in rupees?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assume:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>unpaid principal: \u20b910,00,000;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>applicable annual rate: 16.50%;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delay period used for illustration: six months; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>monthly compounding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The approximate calculation is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u20b910,00,000 \u00d7 (1 + 16.50% \u00f7 12)\u2076 \u2212 \u20b910,00,000<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This produces interest of approximately&nbsp;<strong>\u20b985,400<\/strong>&nbsp;for six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exact legal computation may differ because the real calculation must use the correct date of default, applicable bank-rate changes, part-payments and the manner in which the Council treats fractional periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the buyer paid \u20b93,00,000 after three months, interest should not simply continue on \u20b910,00,000 for the entire period. The calculation must be divided around the part-payment and properly appropriated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8: Upload the evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upload the documents supporting every important statement in your complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful order is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>index and short chronology;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Udyam certificate;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchase order or agreement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoices;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delivery or service-completion evidence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>statement of account;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>correspondence and acknowledgements;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>demand notice;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interest calculation; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>authorisation documents.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not upload hundreds of unsorted pages and expect the Council to reconstruct your case. A short, organised file is often stronger than a large document dump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9: Write a clear claim summary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your factual summary should be simple enough to understand in one reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The claimant supplied electrical components under Purchase Order No. 47 dated 10 January 2026. Goods worth \u20b912,40,000 were delivered and accepted on 18 January 2026. The agreed credit period was 30 days. The buyer paid \u20b92,40,000 on 15 March 2026 but has not paid the remaining \u20b910,00,000 despite reminders. The claimant seeks the unpaid principal together with interest under Sections 16 and 17 of the MSMED Act.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid emotional allegations such as \u201cthe buyer is a fraud\u201d unless fraud is genuinely relevant and supported by evidence. The immediate question is whether the price of accepted goods or services remains unpaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 10: Review, declare and submit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before submitting, compare the online entries with your invoice statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check particularly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>enterprise and buyer names;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoice numbers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>delivery dates;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payment due dates;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>part-payments;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>principal outstanding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interest cut-off date; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contact details.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read the declarations before accepting them. The person filing should have proper authority and should not certify facts they cannot verify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After submission, save:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the acknowledgement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>claim or reference number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>complete copy of the filed application;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>uploaded documents;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>submission date; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any email or SMS confirmation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The application\u2019s submission does not automatically mean that every claim has been legally admitted. The portal or concerned authority may scrutinise eligibility, jurisdiction, limitation and documentation and may seek clarification or correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens after I submit the ODR complaint?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The precise route may depend on the claim and the operational process followed by the concerned authority, but the following stages are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>What normally happens<\/th><th>What the supplier should do<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Initial scrutiny<\/td><td>Enterprise, buyer and claim details are checked<\/td><td>Correct deficiencies promptly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Online resolution or negotiation<\/td><td>Buyer is informed and payment or settlement may be discussed<\/td><td>Respond with clear figures and authority to settle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Conciliation under Section 18(2)<\/td><td>A neutral attempt is made to reach a voluntary settlement<\/td><td>Attend, negotiate seriously and record payment dates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Arbitration under Section 18(3)<\/td><td>If conciliation fails, the dispute proceeds for a binding decision<\/td><td>File evidence and written submissions on time<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Award and payment<\/td><td>The Council or institution may award principal and statutory interest<\/td><td>Ask for compliance and preserve the certified award<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enforcement<\/td><td>An unpaid award can be enforced through the legal process<\/td><td>Identify buyer assets and take timely execution steps<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does online negotiation replace the Facilitation Council?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Online negotiation is an opportunity to settle before or during the formal statutory process. It does not take away the supplier\u2019s rights under Section 18 if the dispute remains unresolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a settlement is reached, insist that it clearly states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the total admitted amount;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>instalment dates, if any;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>treatment of statutory interest;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consequence of default;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the proceeding remains pending until payment; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>who bears any costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not close or withdraw a claim merely because the buyer promises to pay next month. Link withdrawal to actual receipt of cleared funds or to properly secured settlement terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if conciliation fails?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Section 18(3), failure of conciliation is followed by arbitration by the Council itself or by an institution providing alternative dispute-resolution services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conciliation and arbitration are legally different. During conciliation, the objective is a voluntary settlement. During arbitration, the adjudicating body hears the parties and gives a binding award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who acted as conciliator should not simply use confidential settlement communications as evidence in arbitration. Parties should submit their formal claim, defence and evidence through the prescribed process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long should the process take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 18(5) says every reference should be decided within&nbsp;<strong>90 days<\/strong>&nbsp;from the date the reference is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is an important statutory target, but business owners should not treat it as a guaranteed payment date. Time may be consumed by scrutiny, service of notice, adjournments, document deficiencies, settlement discussions and the Council\u2019s workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government data illustrates the scale of the system. By June 2026, the Samadhaan framework had received&nbsp;<strong>2,56,892 applications involving approximately \u20b955,244.29 crore<\/strong>, with&nbsp;<strong>58,148 cases disposed of<\/strong>. These figures show both the importance of the remedy and why delay can still occur despite the statutory target.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/static.pib.gov.in\/WriteReadData\/specificdocs\/documents\/2026\/jun\/doc2026626903401.pdf\">See the Government\u2019s June 2026 MSME delayed-payment report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Facilitation Council has jurisdiction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 18(4) gives jurisdiction to the Facilitation Council or dispute-resolution institution located where the supplier is situated, even if the buyer is located elsewhere in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In plain English, a Delhi-based qualifying Micro or Small supplier may generally invoke the Council connected with its location against a buyer situated in Maharashtra, Karnataka or another state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This special rule reduces the advantage a large buyer might otherwise gain by forcing a small supplier to litigate near the buyer\u2019s head office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, jurisdiction objections can still arise where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the Udyam address was changed after the dispute;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the actual supplier is different from the registered enterprise;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>invoices were raised by another group entity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an assignment or factoring arrangement exists; or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the claim combines eligible and ineligible transactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your entity and registration records consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What mistakes commonly cause ODR complaints to fail or stall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Claiming against the wrong entity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A buyer\u2019s brand name is not necessarily its legal name. Match the purchase order, GST record and corporate documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Filing only invoices without delivery evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An invoice proves that you demanded an amount. It does not, by itself, conclusively prove that goods were delivered or services accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ignoring the buyer\u2019s quality objection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If an objection was raised, address it directly. Upload the objection, your response, replacement record, inspection report or resolution email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calculating interest from the invoice date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interest does not automatically begin on the day the invoice was printed. It generally runs from the statutory default point based on acceptance, the agreed payment term and Sections 15 and 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiding part-payments or credit notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An inflated claim damages credibility. Disclose every payment and adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waiting too long<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Limitation Act, 1963 applies to proceedings under Section 18. A simple money claim is often associated with a three-year limitation period, but the starting point and effect of acknowledgements or part-payments depend on the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The portal cannot automatically revive a claim that has become time-barred. File early and obtain specific advice for older invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Filing the same claim twice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the claim was already filed on the old Samadhaan system, check its existing status before filing again. Migration to a new portal does not normally justify duplicating a pending reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Is the MSME ODR portal the same as the Samadhaan portal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Samadhaan was the earlier filing and monitoring system. New delayed-payment applications are now directed to the MSME ODR portal, while older cases may continue to be tracked or handled through the system in which they were filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Can I file the complaint without a lawyer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The system is designed to allow an enterprise to file directly. Professional help may nevertheless be useful for large claims, disputed supplies, limitation problems, jurisdiction objections or complex interest calculations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Can I file against a government department or public-sector undertaking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potentially yes, if it is a buyer under the transaction and you otherwise qualify as a protected supplier. Government ownership does not by itself cancel the payment obligations under Sections 15 to 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Can I file against a buyer located in another state?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Section 18(4) generally allows the reference to be handled based on the supplier\u2019s location, even when the buyer is situated elsewhere in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Can I include several unpaid invoices in one complaint?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, related invoices against the same buyer may be presented together, subject to the portal\u2019s fields and the Council\u2019s procedural requirements. Provide an invoice-wise table so that principal, payments and interest can be independently checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. What if I have no written purchase order?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The claim is not automatically lost. Emails, WhatsApp messages, invoices, delivery challans, e-way bills, service records, acknowledgements and the parties\u2019 conduct may prove the transaction. The absence of written credit terms also affects how the statutory due date is determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Can the buyer rely on a 90-day credit clause?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a qualifying Micro or Small supplier, Section 15 caps the agreed payment period at 45 days from acceptance or deemed acceptance. A longer contractual period does not ordinarily displace that statutory ceiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. What if the buyer does not participate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Non-participation does not erase the debt. If notice has been properly served and procedural requirements are satisfied, the matter may proceed according to law. The supplier must still prove its claim with reliable evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. What happens if the buyer challenges the award?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 19 requires the buyer to deposit&nbsp;<strong>75% of the amount awarded<\/strong>&nbsp;before a court entertains an application to set aside the award. The court may direct that part of the deposited amount be paid to the supplier on appropriate conditions while the challenge is pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About the author: Advocate Praveen Siinghhal is a Delhi-based lawyer with 25+ years of experience in MSME payment recovery, commercial disputes and business legal protection. He advises MSMEs and business owners on unpaid dues, legal notices, MSME Facilitation Council claims and recovery strategy.<br>Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws, RBI bank rate, tax treatment, portal procedures and case law may change from time to time. Please verify the current position or consult a professional before acting on any specific claim.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How do I file a complaint on the new MSME ODR portal? To file a delayed-payment complaint, visit the official&nbsp;MSME ODR portal, authenticate your enterprise details, enter the buyer and invoice information, upload evidence of supply and non-payment, verify the amount claimed and submit the application. The portal first creates an opportunity for online resolution. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":76,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74\/revisions\/76"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praveensiinghhal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}