Ayodhya Prasad Sale: Amazon Stops Selling Ayodhya Ram Mandir Prasad After CCPA Sends Notice

The e-commerce giant Amazon has taken down sweets sold as "Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad" after the company received a notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for selling misleading products.

The CCPA notice was sent after a complaint by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), alleged that Amazon was engaging in deceptive trade practices by selling sweets with misleading claims of 'Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad'. The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is all set for consecration on January 22.

The e-commerce company has removed the sales options of Ram Mandir Prasad (offering) from its list and started action against the sellers after receiving the notice. An Amazon spokesperson said, "We have received communication from the CCPA regarding misleading product claims by certain seller(s) and investigating them for violations. In the interim, we are taking appropriate action against such listings as per our policies."

The product descriptions listed on Amazon for sale read 'Sri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad - Raghupati Ghee Ladoo, Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad, Khoya Khobi Ladoo, Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad - Desi Cow Milk Peda,' among others.

It may be mentioned that under Rule 4(3) of the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020 no e-commerce entity shall adopt any unfair trade practice, whether in the course of business on its platform or otherwise, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a press release.

"Further, 'Misleading advertisement' as defined under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 means any means an advertisement, which falsely describes such product or service; or gives a false guarantee to, or is likely to mislead the consumers as to the nature, substance, quantity or quality of such product or service," it added.

The CCPA has sought a response from Amazon within 7 days from the issuance of notice, failing which necessary action may be initiated against them under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.