March 25, 2026 6:10 PM

CCPA Bars ‘LPG Charges’ in Hotel, Restaurant Bills; Calls Practice Unfair Trade

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday issued an advisory prohibiting hotels and restaurants from levying additional charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge”, or “fuel cost recovery” in consumer bills, terming the practice an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The authority said it has taken note of complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline and media reports indicating that such charges are being added by defa...

May 30, 2025 4:49 PM

Centre issues norms to curb illegal sale of radio equipment on e-com sites

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, on Friday issued norms to curb the illegal sale of radio equipment on e-commerce sites. The Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, aims to curb the unauthorised sale of wireless devices that may pose risks to consumer safety. The devices can mislead consumers regarding...

May 29, 2025 1:24 AM

Centre pulls up e-commerce giants over ‘dark patterns’, calls for immediate compliance

In a sharp message to e-commerce platforms, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs on Wednesday urged companies to eliminate the use of “dark patterns” — deceptive user interface designs aimed at misleading consumers — warning that failure to comply could invite regulatory action. Chairing a high-level stakeholder meeting in New Delhi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi said today’s consumers are informed and will not tolerate manipulative online practic...

April 29, 2025 12:03 PM

CCPA takes suo moto action against five Delhi restaurants for non-refund of service charge

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated suo moto action against five restaurants in Delhi — Makhna Deli, Xero Courtyard, Castle Barbeque, Chaayos, and Fiesta by Barbeque Nation — for failing to refund mandatory service charges despite a recent judgment by the Delhi High Court. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution on Tuesday, the restaurants have been served notices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, ...