How to File an Investor Complaint (SCORES & ODR)
If an intermediary wrongs you, there’s a clear escalation path. Here’s how to raise and escalate a complaint.
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If you have a grievance against a broker, AMC, depository or other market intermediary, there’s a structured escalation path — you’re not on your own. This is general information, not legal advice.
Step 1 — complain to the intermediary first
Always raise the issue directly with the broker/fund house first, in writing, and keep the acknowledgement. Most firms have a dedicated grievance/compliance contact — see our grievance page for how to reach ROAR’s. Give them the stipulated time to resolve it.
Step 2 — escalate to SEBI SCORES
If unresolved or you’re unsatisfied, escalate to SCORES — SEBI’s online complaint portal. You register the complaint, it’s routed to the entity with a deadline, and SEBI tracks resolution. You can monitor status online.
Step 3 — exchange and depository grievance cells
Exchanges and depositories (CDSL/NSDL) have their own investor grievance mechanisms for issues involving their members.
Step 4 — Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
For unresolved disputes, SEBI’s ODR framework offers online conciliation and arbitration through a common portal — a faster, structured alternative to courts for market disputes.
Tips for an effective complaint
- Keep records — contract notes, statements, emails, running account settlement reports.
- Be specific — dates, amounts, what went wrong, what resolution you want.
- Follow the ladder — intermediary → SCORES → exchange/depository → ODR.
Knowing the process means a genuine grievance gets heard. Education only, not legal advice.
