In re Moving Tech Innovations Private Limited (Namma Yatri) (CCPA Delhi)
Summary: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, examined alleged unfair trade practices concerning the ride-hailing platform “Namma Yatri”, operated by Moving Tech Innovations Private Limited. The matter arose from a complaint dated 16.05.2025 concerning ride-hailing platforms using manipulative tipping features and exploitative pricing mechanisms. The complaint specifically alleged that consumers could be prompted to pay a tip before confirmation of a ride, with messaging suggesting that tipping would help secure a ride faster.
During its preliminary inquiry under Section 19(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA examined Namma Yatri and observed the prompt “High Demand, adding a tip helps you find a ride faster.” The Authority prima facie considered that the messaging could influence consumer choice and decision-making. The inquiry referred to the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 and the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, besides the Consumer Protection Act.
A Show Cause Notice dated 28.05.2025 was issued to the company. Moving Tech Innovations denied deploying dark patterns or misleading consumers and explained that the tipping feature was intended to communicate that voluntary tipping could incentivise drivers to accept rides during periods of high demand. The company also stated that the feature had been discontinued. During the proceedings, the company furnished comparative data concerning average pickup times and driver acceptance rates for rides with and without “Extra Fare”. According to the company’s submissions, rides with Extra Fare had higher average pickup times and a lower driver acceptance rate than regular rides.
