In a recent development, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken Amazon to task over allegations of engaging in deceptive trade practices. The ecommerce behemoth is accused of selling sweets with misleading claims of being ‘Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad,’ prompting an official notice from the regulatory body.
The complaint leading to the notice was filed by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), which asserted that Amazon was involved in deceptive trade practices related to the sale of sweets. These products were allegedly being marketed as prasad (offerings) from the soon-to-be-consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for consecration on January 22.
Following the notice, Amazon took swift action by removing the sales options for Ram Mandir prasad and initiating measures against the sellers involved. An Amazon spokesperson stated, “We have received communication from the CCPA regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and are investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies.”
The CCPA, in its response, noted that various sweets and food products claiming to be “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad” were available for sale on Amazon. The authority accused Amazon of enabling the online sale of food products that make false representations, ultimately misleading consumers about the genuine characteristics of the items.
Amazon’s product descriptions for these allegedly deceptive listings included items such as ‘Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – Raghupati Ghee Ladoo,’ ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad,’ ‘Khoya Khobi Ladoo,’ and ‘Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad – Desi Cow Milk Peda,’ among others.
As the controversy unfolds, Amazon finds itself under scrutiny for its role in facilitating the sale of products with misleading claims. The regulatory actions by the CCPA underscore the importance of transparent and accurate representation in ecommerce, urging platforms to ensure compliance with consumer protection regulations.
