India’s Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has a clear message for e-commerce giants: stop misleading shoppers with sneaky fees, or face tough penalties. On Thursday, Joshi vowed strict action against platforms that hit consumers with unfair charges, like extra costs for cash-on-delivery (COD) options.
He called these tricks “dark patterns” that cheat buyers and break the rules of fair trade. Joshi was replying to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), where a user slammed companies like Flipkart for piling on hidden fees. The post mocked charges such as “offer handling fee” (for a discount they promised?), “payment handling fee” (for simply paying?), and “protect promise fee” (protecting from what?). The user compared it to the infamous “rain fee” that food delivery apps like Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto once tried.
Joshi pointed out that his department has already fielded complaints about COD charges and launched a full probe. “We’re watching these platforms closely,” he said. “Any slip-up on consumer rights means big trouble—we want full transparency and fair play in India’s fast-growing e-commerce world.”
The government’s crackdown goes beyond fees. Officials are tracking how e-commerce sites pass on Goods and Services Tax (GST) savings to shoppers. Through the National Consumer Helpline, they’ve sorted out 3,981 GST-related gripes so far. They’re also double-checking if online sellers of everyday items like shampoo, pulses, and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are sticking to recent GST rate cuts.
Earlier, Joshi noted that the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) keeps a sharp eye on complaints. The goal? Shield buyers from false info and make sure GST reforms deliver real benefits to every Indian.
This all comes as India’s GST collections hit a strong Rs 1.89 lakh crore in September, up 9.1% from last year—the quickest growth in four months. Experts say passing tax perks straight to consumers could spark more spending and fuel economic growth.
With e-commerce booming in India, the push for consumer protection aims to stamp out hidden charges and ensure everyone plays fair. Shoppers, take note: your rights are getting a big boost.
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