Can the airline force me to take a voucher?

No. If the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a refund to the original payment method. A voucher is only acceptable if you agree to it.

Which forum hears my case?

It depends on what you paid for the ticket: up to ₹50 lakh — District Commission; above ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore — State Commission; above ₹2 crore — National Commission. Almost every individual ticket lands in the District Commission, and the fee is nil up to ₹5 lakh.

Complaint Generator › Consumer complaint

Flight cancelled — airline refund complaint

A cancelled or significantly delayed flight where the airline refuses a refund to the original payment method, or delays it beyond a reasonable time.

Consumer route. Try the National Consumer Helpline first (1915 / consumerhelpline.gov.in), then file on e-Jagriti. Find your forum & fee →

Your flight was cancelled or heavily delayed, the airline offered a voucher instead of a refund, or the refund never arrived. Airlines must refund to the original payment method.

What you can get

Full refund to the original payment method, compensation for the loss caused by the cancellation, and the cost of filing.

Steps

Keep the booking, the cancellation message and any voucher the airline offered.
Complain to the airline in writing and ask for a refund to the original payment method, not a voucher.
Register the grievance with the National Consumer Helpline (1915 / consumerhelpline.gov.in).
If unresolved, file on e-Jagriti (e-jagriti.gov.in). The forum is picked by what you paid for the ticket.
Upload the complaint, affidavit, ticket, payment proof, cancellation notice and correspondence as PDFs.

Documents to prepare

Ticket / booking confirmation
Payment proof
Cancellation or delay notice from the airline
Voucher offered (if any)
Written refund request and the airline's reply
Notarised affidavit supporting the complaint

Frequently asked questions

Can the airline force me to take a voucher?: No. If the airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a refund to the original payment method. A voucher is only acceptable if you agree to it.
Which forum hears my case?: It depends on what you paid for the ticket: up to ₹50 lakh — District Commission; above ₹50 lakh to ₹2 crore — State Commission; above ₹2 crore — National Commission. Almost every individual ticket lands in the District Commission, and the fee is nil up to ₹5 lakh.

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Sources: righttoinformation.wiki — e-Jagriti consumer complaint guide, CSIA Law — how to file a consumer complaint on e-Jagriti, righttoinformation.wiki — NCH 1915 helpline guide