Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday responded to complaints about ‘multiple hidden charges’ such as ‘rain fees’ and ‘payment handling fee’ charged by quick commerce and E-commerce platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto and Flipkart.
In a post on X, the minister announced that strict action will be taken against e-commerce platforms that mislead consumers and charge unfair fees such as extra costs for Cash-on-Delivery (COD).
He said such practices amount to “dark patterns” that exploit buyers and go against fair trade principles.
What led Joshi to acknowledge the problem?
The minister was responding to a post on social media platform X, where a user highlighted how e-commerce players often add multiple hidden charges in the name of “offer handling fee”, “payment handling fee” and “protect promise fee” to mislead consumers.
The netizen further offered sarcastic praise for companies engaging in such practices by referring to their billing initiative as a ‘masterstroke’ similar to the controversial “rain fee” charged by some food delivery apps.
“Forget rain fee” by Zomato/Swiggy/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart: offer handling fee (for giving me the discount you advertised??). Payment handling fee (for letting me pay you??). Protect promise fee (protecting me from what… satisfaction?),” the user vented on X.
Joshi promises DCA action
In his reaction to the X user’s complaints, Joshi said that the Department of Consumer Affairs has already received complaints against COD charges and has already initiated a detailed investigation.
“Platforms are being scrutinised closely, and any violation of consumer rights will invite strict action to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India’s growing e-commerce sector,” he stressed.
As per a report by IANS, The Consumer Affairs Department, through the National Consumer Helpline, has already resolved 3,981 GST-related complaints. Authorities are also checking whether online platforms selling FMCG goods like shampoo, pulses, and daily essentials are complying with GST rate cuts.
(With inputs from IANS)