Amazon Gets CCPA’s Notice Over Misleading Claims on Ayodhya Ram Mandir Prasad Sweets

In a recent development, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to e-commerce giant Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd. based on a complaint filed by a traders' body.

The complaint alleges that various food companies are selling snacks online under the label "Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad," which the CCPA deems fraudulent.

Allegations of Misleading Claims

The CCPA, after examining samples of the mentioned brands, particularly snacks like laddoo, has found the use of the label 'prasad' (consecrated offering to the deity) from the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be "misleading."

According to an official statement, such practices violate provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, including regulations against misleading claims and unfair trade practices.

CCPA Seeks Response from Amazon

The Consumer Protection Authority has formally requested a response from Amazon within a week. This move follows the CCPA's commitment to ensuring fair trade practices and protecting consumers from misleading information.

The CCPA's action coincides with the upcoming inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

Specific Products Under Scrutiny

While the CCPA has singled out four food products for scrutiny, three explicitly feature the words 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.' Additionally, a snack brand, not using these exact words, markets its 'laddoos' as a 'memorable offering that can be taken to the deity in Ayodhya.' According to a senior official, even this variation is potentially subject to regulatory action.

CCPA Chief Commissioner's Statement

Rohit Kumar Singh, CCPA Chief Commissioner and Union Secretary of Consumer Affairs, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "You cannot mislead in the headings. Most people don't read the fine print."

Trader's Complaint Sparks Investigation

The CCPA's move comes in response to a written complaint filed by the Confederation of All India Traders' Praveen Khandelwal to Union Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal. The complaint, titled "Amazon's Unscrupulous Trade Practices in the name of Lord Ram," alleges questionable practices by the e-commerce platform.

Amazon's Statement

In response to the complaint, an Amazon spokesperson said:

"We have received a communication from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) regarding misleading product claims by certain sellers. We are investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies."

Via