ETtech Explainer: Why Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho were pulled up amid Operation Sindoor

The consumer protection regulator has issued notices to 13 e-commerce sites operating in India for selling walkie-talkies in violation of consumer laws. While walkie-talkies are legal in India, their use is governed by certain laws and guidelines. The action comes against the backdrop of potential security concerns arising from the illegal sale at a time of India's military conflict with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.

"The sale of non-compliant wireless devices not only breaches statutory obligations but may also pose significant risks to national security operations," said consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi.



Preliminary analysis by CCPA showed 467 listings of walkie-talkies on Amazon, 314 on Flipkart, 489 on Meesho, and 423 on TradeIndia.

E-tailers on radar

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to:

• Amazon
• Flipkart
• Meesho
• OLX
• TradeIndia
• Facebook
• IndiaMart
• VardaanMart
• JioMart
• Krishnamart
• Chimiya
• Talk Pro Walie Talkie
• MaskMan Toys

What are the violations?

The consumer protection authority noted that these e-commerce platforms were selling walkie-talkies without :

• clearly specifying the frequency range
• valid Equipment Type Approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing
• proper disclosure of licensing requirements to consumers

The communication devices were being sold without mandatory and clear disclosures regarding the requirement of a wireless operating license or compliance with applicable laws, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said in a statement earlier this week. The product listings for walkie-talkies did not specify whether the device requires a license from the concerned authority for use, it said.

Omission of details such as frequency range, licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018 and the potential legal consequences of unauthorised use, misleads consumers into believing that the devices are freely operable by the general public, the ministry said.

Directions to online sellers

The ministry had organised a stakeholder consultation with the e-commerce platform to sensitise them about the legal aspects of selling wireless communication devices.

E-commerce platforms have been directed to monitor walkie-talkie listings on their platforms and delist sellers who fail to comply with the applicable laws, rules and guidelines.

What's next

The CCPA is set to issue new guidelines under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to tackle the illegal sale of licensed wireless devices like walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms. These draft guidelines, soon to be published for public feedback, aim to:

• ensure platforms conduct due diligence before listing such products
• require verification of seller credentials and certifications
• implement automated systems to detect and remove unauthorised listings
• promote consumer awareness with proper disclosures
• enforce penalties and hold platforms liable for non-compliance

The CCPA has also sought input from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Telecommunications.