Introduction: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has recently issued a notice to Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd. regarding the sale of sweets under the name ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.’ This action comes in response to a complaint by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), alleging deceptive trade practices. Let’s delve into the details of this issue.
Detailed Analysis: The CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, initiated the action based on CAIT’s representation. The complaint contends that Amazon is engaging in deceptive trade practices by selling sweets under the misleading label of ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.’
Upon examining the representation, it was found that various sweets and food products are being offered for sale on Amazon’s e-commerce platform under this name. The concern is that such false representations mislead consumers about the genuine characteristics of the product, potentially influencing their purchase decisions.
Under Rule 4(3) of the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, e-commerce entities are prohibited from adopting any unfair trade practice. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines ‘misleading advertisement,’ stating that it includes any false description or guarantee likely to mislead consumers.
The CCPA has highlighted specific products in the notice, including Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad in various types and flavors. The authority has issued a notice to Amazon, giving them seven days to respond. Failure to do so may result in necessary action being initiated against Amazon under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Conclusion: The notice issued by the CCPA to Amazon underscores the importance of transparency in e-commerce practices, particularly regarding the sale of food products. Misleading representations can have a significant impact on consumer choices, and the regulatory body is taking necessary steps to ensure fair trade practices.
As this investigation unfolds, it raises questions about the responsibility of e-commerce platforms in verifying the authenticity of product claims. The response from Amazon and the subsequent actions taken by the CCPA will be crucial in determining the course of this case and setting a precedent for ensuring consumer protection in online transactions.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Central Consumer Protection Authority issues notice to Amazon for sale of sweets making misleading claims of ‘Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad’
Posted On: 19 JAN 2024 6:41PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), headed by Chief Commissioner Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, has initiated action against Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd., concerning the sale of sweets on www.amazon.in under the name ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.’
The action has been initiated based on a representation made by Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) alleging that Amazon is engaging in deceptive trade practices involving sale of sweets under the guise of ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad’.
Pursuant to the examination of the representation, it has been observed that various sweets/food products are available for sale on Amazon e-commerce platform (www.amazon.in) claiming it to be “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad”.
Enabling the sale of food products online that make false representations misleads consumers regarding the genuine characteristics of the product. Such practice falsely influences consumers to make purchase decisions they might not have otherwise taken, had the accurate attributes of the product been mentioned.
It may be mentioned that under Rule 4(3) of the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020 no e-commerce entity shall adopt any unfair trade practice, whether in the course of business on its platform or otherwise
Further, ‘Misleading advertisement’ as defined under the Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 means any means an advertisement, which falsely describes such product or service; or gives a false guarantee to, or is likely to mislead the consumers as to the nature, substance, quantity or quality of such product or service.
CCPA has sought response from Amazon within 7 days from issuance of notice, failing which necessary action may be initiated against them under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The products highlighted in the notice are as under –
S.No. |
Name of Product |
Product Link on Amazon |
1. |
Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – 250Grams || Raghupati Ghee Ladoo – (Type 1 Prasad- Pack of 1x250g) |
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CQXJ13HN?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_ZKZ5F9X8C368RC679K0A&language=en-IN |
2. |
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – 250Grams || Khoya Khobi Ladoo – (Type 3 Prasad- Pack of 1x250g)1 |
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CRJM2PVD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0CRJM2PVD&pd_rd_w=XB8MG&content-id=amzn1.sym.0fcdb56a-738b-4621-9da7-d47193883987&pf_rd_p=0fcdb56a-738b-4621-9da7-d47193883987&pf_rd_r=273XDXXXWBZKQSKBKEMM&pd_rd_wg=CGfRM&pd_rd_r=0eebf499-79ab-4289-8fa3-16db3ace294c&s=grocery&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwy |
3. |
Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – 250Grams || Ghee Bundi Ladoo – (Type 4 Prasad- Pack of 1x250g) |
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0CRJXVVLF/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0CRJXVVLF&pd_rd_w=1CbI7&content-id=amzn1.sym.0fcdb56a-738b-4621-9da7-d47193883987&pf_rd_p=0fcdb56a-738b-4621-9da7-d47193883987&pf_rd_r=SXQ447D7MFENCE7EM647&pd_rd_wg=VoOns&pd_rd_r=693b20d9-9d8c-437b-b6b9-d8329cf78d76&s=grocery&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwy |
4. |
Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – 250Grams || Desi Cow Milk Peda – (Type 5 Prasad- Pack of 1x250g) |
https://www.amazon.in/Sri-Ram-Mandir-Ayodhya-Prasad/dp/B0CRJZWQKB/ref=pb_allspark_dp_sims _pao_desktop_session_based_d_sccl_2_2/259-5366117-1404625?pd_rd_w=izZKM&content-id=amzn1.sym.0c2e13d1-3874-45db-864e-478422a97adc&pf_rd_p=0c2e13d1-3874-45db-864e-478422a97adc&pf_rd_r=1BQSA1PN91W9H5DTDA6S&pd_rd_wg=gpXh9&pd_rd_r=dcd88acf-06bb-4429-8e7c-f0cd755640c5&pd_rd_i=B0CRJZWQKB&psc=1 |
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