Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on Friday that authorities will penalize e-commerce platforms that mislead customers through unfair fees such as Cash-on-Delivery surcharges. The minister characterized these practices as dark patterns that violate fair trade standards. His statement followed social media complaints about hidden costs labeled as offer handling fees, payment handling fees, and protect promise fees on platforms such as Flipkart.
The Department of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation after receiving complaints about COD charges. Joshi emphasized that platforms face scrutiny, and violations will result in enforcement actions to maintain transparency in the e-commerce sector. The government resolved 3,981 GST-related complaints through the National Consumer Helpline while monitoring whether online retailers properly transfer tax benefits to shoppers.
India collected Rs 1.89 lakh crore in GST revenue during September, representing a 9.1 percent annual increase. Officials stated that proper tax benefit transfers would strengthen consumer demand and economic growth. The crackdown targets deceptive trade practices while promoting fair operations across the expanding digital marketplace.1
The Department of Consumer Affairs launched an investigation after receiving complaints about COD charges. Joshi emphasized that platforms face scrutiny, and violations will result in enforcement actions to maintain transparency in the e-commerce sector. The government resolved 3,981 GST-related complaints through the National Consumer Helpline while monitoring whether online retailers properly transfer tax benefits to shoppers.
India collected Rs 1.89 lakh crore in GST revenue during September, representing a 9.1 percent annual increase. Officials stated that proper tax benefit transfers would strengthen consumer demand and economic growth. The crackdown targets deceptive trade practices while promoting fair operations across the expanding digital marketplace.1
