Indian online retailers may soon come under the surveillance of the Consumer Protection Law, following complaints for alleged unfair business practices, according to a cabinet proposal put forward by the consumer affairs department, according to media reports.
In the cabinet note, a proposal has been made to set up Consumer Protection Authority that will lookout for marketing of products that are “unsafe and hazardous”. There will be provisions for product liability actions, for ‘unfair contract’ to protect consumers placed in an unequal bargaining capacity.
The committee will act as an independent body that will also have the responsibility of informing consumers about the quality, purity, standard, misleading and deceptive advertisements by sellers, according to reports.
The Consumer Protection Authority may have the authority to conduct investigations, seize documents and records on complaints, withdraw fake advertisements, issue safety notices, and impose fine on guilty e-tailers.
The online retail market in India is valued at around US$ 3.5 billion and is expected to grow seven times by 2019. As of now, Indian laws lag behind other countries when it comes to dealing with problems in online shopping. (GK)
