Central Consumer Protection Authority issues notices to 14 Cos for misleading ads

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued show cause notices to 14 companies since its inception on July 24, 2020 for resorting to misleading claims in their advertisements such as immunity, COVID-19 virus protection, etc. These companies span across various sectors such as water purifier, paints, floor cleaner, apparel, disinfectant, furniture.

An advisory has also been issued to industry associations highlighting the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act and to impress upon their members to cease from making false claims about effectiveness against corona virus which are not supported by competent and reliable scientific advice.

This information was given in a written reply by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Danve Rao Saheb Dadarao, in the Lok Sabha yesterday (February 2, 2021).

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CP Act) to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements, which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers and to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.