₹44 crore penalty imposed on major e-commerce platforms for telecom violations
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated suo motu action against multiple e-commerce platforms for listing and selling unauthorised walkie-talkies, imposing penalties totalling ₹44 lakh for violations of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and telecom regulations.
Platforms under scrutiny
The authority issued notices to 13 e-commerce entities, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook Marketplace), IndiaMart, TradeIndia, Chimiya, Talk Pro, MaskMan Toys, Krishna Mart, Antriksh Technologies and Vardaanmart, after identifying over 16,970 non-compliant listings.
Penalties imposed
The CCPA levied ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta Platforms, and ₹1 lakh each on Chimiya, JioMart, Talk Pro and MaskMan Toys. According to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, several platforms have already paid the fines, while payments from others are pending.
Nature of violations
The regulator found that platforms facilitated the sale of Personal Mobile Radios (PMRs) operating outside the license-exempt 446.0–446.2 MHz band, without mandatory Equipment Type Approval (ETA) or proper disclosure of licensing requirements. In several cases, frequency details were missing, incorrect or misleading, with some sellers falsely claiming devices were “license-free” or “100% legal”.
Intermediary defence rejected
Platforms attempted to claim intermediary protection for third-party listings. The CCPA rejected this argument, stating that marketplaces involved in listing, discovery and promotion cannot act as passive conduits when statutory disclosures are absent.
New guidelines and self-audit mandate
To tighten oversight, the CCPA has notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment, 2025, mandating frequency verification, ETA checks before listing, clear licensing disclosures and automated takedown systems. Major platforms have also been directed to conduct self-audits and publish compliance certificates.
National security concerns
The authority warned that unauthorised radio devices can interfere with law enforcement, disaster response and emergency communication networks, posing risks to public safety and national security.
Investigations against IndiaMart, TradeIndia, Antriksh Technologies, Vardaanmart and Krishna Mart are ongoing.
Keep building. Keep learning. Keep growing with StartupByDoc.