Govt Panel Issues Notice to Amazon Over Sale of ‘Ram Temple Prasad’ Snacks
In a recent development, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd following a complaint by a traders’ body regarding the sale of snacks labeled as “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad” on the e-commerce platform. Authorities found that the use of the term ‘prasad’ (consecrated offering to the deity) from the Ram temple in Ayodhya was deemed “misleading” and constituted fraud.
In a recent development, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a notice to Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd following a complaint by a traders’ body regarding the sale of snacks labeled as “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad” on the e-commerce platform. Authorities found that the use of the term ‘prasad’ (consecrated offering to the deity) from the Ram temple in Ayodhya was deemed “misleading” and constituted fraud.
The CCPA’s action comes after the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) lodged a written complaint with Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Piyush Goyal, expressing concerns over what they termed as “Amazon’s Unscrupulous Trade Practices in the name of Lord Ram.”
The snacks in question, including ladoos, were examined by authorities, and it was discovered that the use of the label ‘prasad’ violated provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019. The act prohibits misleading claims and unfair trade practices. The CCPA has specifically targeted four food products, with three bearing the words ‘Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.’ Even a snack brand that did not use these explicit words but advertised its ladoos as a ‘memorable offering that can be taken to the deity in Ayodhya’ is potentially liable for action, according to a senior official.
The notice issued to Amazon by the CCPA requires a response from the e-commerce giant within a week. The action taken by the consumer protection authority coincides with Ayodhya’s preparations for the January 22 inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The town anticipates a significant economic boost as it prepares for the influx of millions of devotees.
CCPA Chief Commissioner and Union Secretary of Consumer Affairs, Rohit Kumar Singh, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “You cannot mislead in the headings. Most people don’t read the fine print.”
As of now, no penalties have been imposed on Amazon, but the company has been summoned to explain the presence of these products. Amazon’s official response to these allegations is awaited. This incident raises questions about the responsibility of e-commerce platforms in ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the products they facilitate the sale of, particularly when it involves religious sentiments and practices.
Sources By Agencies
About The Author
hi!,I like your writing so much! share we be in contact more approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to see you.
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol