Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 3: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said that the Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms for charging extra on cash-on-delivery orders, calling it a “dark pattern” that misleads and exploits consumers.

“A detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinise these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India’s growing e-commerce sector,” Joshi stated.

The remarks came after a post on X highlighted Flipkart’s alleged opaque charges, including an ‘Offer Handling Fee’, ‘Payment Handling Fee’, and ‘Protect Promise Fee’, amounting to Rs 226 on a discounted item worth Rs 24,999. The post, which went viral with over 134,000 views, triggered widespread backlash, prompting the ministry to launch a probe into Flipkart and Amazon.

Flipkart, meanwhile, said it has completed an independent self-audit of its platforms to align with the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s guidelines on preventing dark patterns. The company submitted its compliance report to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare and assured continued cooperation with the ministry to strengthen consumer protection.