> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.cashfree.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Disputes States

> Track every Cashfree dispute through its lifecycle states, from creation to representment and final resolution, with descriptions of each chargeback stage.

After a dispute is created, it moves through several states until it is resolved. The state changes when you, the customer, or the issuing authority take a decision.

## Dispute states

The following table describes each dispute state:

| Dispute state | Description |
| - | - |
| Action Required | The dispute is open and you must act. Accept the dispute, contest it, or upload documents again if the evidence is insufficient. |
| Under Review | You submitted documents and Cashfree forwarded them to the authority that takes the final decision. |
| Contest Requested | You contested an `ARBITRATION` dispute with the [Contest Arbitration API](https://www.cashfree.com/docs/api-reference/payments/latest/disputes/contest-arbitration-by-dispute-id.md). Cashfree forwards your existing pre-arbitration evidence to the card network or NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) for a final decision. |
| Closed (Merchant Won) | The authority or the customer accepts your documents. You win the dispute and the case is closed. |
| Closed (Merchant Lost) | The authority or the customer rejects your evidence. You lose the dispute. |
| Closed (Merchant Accepted) | You accept the dispute. Cashfree refunds the customer from your balance. |

> [!WARNING]
>
> A customer can raise a pre-arbitration or arbitration case even after the dispute is Closed (Merchant Won).

### Dispute states workflow

The following diagram shows how a dispute moves between states:

![](https://mintcdn.com/cashfreepayments-d00050e9/JZc-JzI9LQpTeTyY/static/payments/disputes/dispute-status.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=JZc-JzI9LQpTeTyY\&q=85\&s=17dc913b16673dce772b9d2d57d5cd55)

Dispute status workflow

> [!NOTE]
>
> When you contest an `ARBITRATION` dispute, the state changes from Action Required to Contest Requested, then to Under Review.

> [!WARNING]
>
> If you do not respond before the deadline, you lose the dispute and Cashfree refunds the customer.


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