CCPA Directs Immediate Withdrawal of Bike Taxi Ads

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has ordered a private bike taxi company to pay a penalty of 10 lakh rupees for publishing misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. CCPA took cognisance of the misleading advertisements of the ride-hailing platform that promised consumers AUTO IN 5 MIN OR GET 50 RUPEES and Guaranteed Auto.
 
In a statement, CCPA has held these advertisements to be false, misleading and unfair to consumers and has directed them to discontinue them with immediate effect. The Authority has also directed the online ride-hailing platform to reimburse the said amount in full without any further delay or condition to any consumer who availed the offer and did not receive the promised 50 rupees.
 
The authority further urged consumers to be cautious about advertisements that make tall promises or use phrases like ‘guaranteed’ or ‘assured’ without explaining the conditions. If consumers face issues of misleading advertisements or unfair trade practices, they can call the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or use the NCH App or website to file complaints.