CGPA ACTION AGAINST MISLEADING ADS

ORDER BY CGPA TO STOP THE MISLEADING ADS TO SENDODYNE AND NAAPTOL ONLINE SHOPPING

Central Consumer Protection Act took action against the two companies under suo motu case :

1. GlaxoSmithKline for its advertisement Sensodyne products in India, which show foreign dentists endorsing them.

• According to SECTION 2 (28) of consumer protection act 2019 advertisement of Sensodyne products in India which show endorsements by dentists practising outside India qualify as ‘misleading advertisement’.

• The CCPA also ordered Director General (Investigation) to submit a report within 15 days on various claims such as recommended by dentists worldwide, world’s no.1 sensitivity toothpaste, clinically proven etc.

• Sensodyne is also asked to discontinue advertisement in India within a week of the issuance of the order .

2. Naaptol Online Shopping for its three advertisements - "Set of 2 Gold Jewellery", "Magnetic Knee Support" & "Acupressure Yoga Slippers". 

• The CCPA also took action against Naaptol Online Shopping Ltd asking the company to discontinue misleading advertisements of Magnetic Knee Support and Acupressure Yoga Slippers, Set of 2 Gold Jewelry. This is another case that follows under suo motu case.

• The CCPA asked a penalty of Rs 10 lakh from Naaptol for its misleading advertisements that had a far-reaching impact on numerous consumers as the company runs a 24X7 channel and is broadcasted daily across the country in various languages.

• Also according to the National Consumer Helpline data 399 complaints were registered against Naaptol from June 2021 to January 25 this year.

CONCLUSION :

• According to section 89 punishment for any manufacturer or service provider who causes false or misleading advertisement is imprisonment that can be extended to two years with fine that may extend to ten lakhs and for every subsequent offence – imprisonment extended to 5 years with extended fine of fifty lakhs.

• If you ever encounter any misleading ADS you can register your complaint along with a proof (copy /video/audio) against the ad on http://gama.gov.in/.

“ BEING A CONSUMER WE HAVE RIGHTS WITH RESPONSIBILITES, SO WE MUST FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITES TO ENJOY OUR RIGHTS “

 Blog By : Divyanshi Singh