CCPA Fines Coaching Centres Rs 8 Lakh Each for Misleading UPSC Ads

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has passed final orders against two IAS Coaching Centres imposing a penalty of Rs 8,00,000 each for indulging in misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violating consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This action was taken to protect the rights of consumers as a class and ensure that no false or misleading advertisement contradicts the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

CCPA Fines Drishti IAS ₹5 Lakh for Misleading UPSC Result Claims

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), operating under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for publishing misleading advertisements related to the results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022.

Centre Eases Compliance Rules for Pre-Packaged Goods Following GST Revision

The Central Government, through the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Weights and Measures Unit, has granted a key relaxation in compliance requirements under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, following the recent revision of Goods & Services Tax (GST) rates effective September 22, 2025.

Legal Metrology Issues FAQs On GST Rate Changes

 Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued three FAQ documents on the changes in GST rates for services and goods (excluding specified tobacco products) effective from September 22, 2025. These FAQs were issued on September 22, 2025. The revised rates and the list of exempted goods are formalized in new notifications placed on the CBIC website, including Notification No. 9/2025- Central Tax (Rate) and Notification No. 10/2025-Central Tax (Rate) (for exemptions), both dated September 17, 2025.

CCPA and NCH Take Decisive Action to Protect Consumers

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken firm action against misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, imposing penalties on both VLCC Limited (₹3 lakh) and Rapido (₹10 lakh). In a separate report, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) demonstrated its effectiveness by facilitating refunds of ₹2.72 crore in July 2025, resolving thousands of consumer grievances across various sectors. These actions collectively underscore the government’s strong commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in the marketplace.

E-Commerce Platforms Advised To Self-Audit & Eradicate ‘Dark Patterns’

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a stern advisory to all e-commerce platforms, urging them to conduct immediate self-audits to identify and eliminate deceptive design interfaces known as “Dark Patterns.” Platforms have been given a three-month window to comply and are encouraged to submit self-declarations affirming their adherence to fair trade practices.