JioMart Fined for Selling Illegal Walkie-Talkies

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalized Reliance JioMart ₹100,000 for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The e-commerce platform was found guilty of listing and selling uncertified walkie-talkies that operated on restricted radio frequencies, potentially disrupting essential services and national security. The CCPA mandated that JioMart cease listing any product requiring statutory approval without full legal compliance.

The CCPA's investigation, initiated in May, revealed that JioMart failed to disclose crucial information like operating frequency and Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for the devices. Despite JioMart's claims of being a marketplace intermediary, the CCPA rejected this defense, emphasizing the platform's control over product visibility and revenue generation. An investigation report later confirmed that non-compliant devices remained accessible on the platform even after JioMart's stated removal.

This landmark action signifies a stricter approach by regulators towards e-commerce platforms, holding them accountable for due diligence. Legal experts suggest this ruling sets a precedent for assessing platform responsibility, especially concerning safety, licensing, and national security. Consumer groups lauded the decision, asserting that large online retailers cannot disclaim responsibility for the sale of unsafe or uncertified products.