Even in the boundless realm of e-commerce, a missing disclosure can break the chain of trust. And this is what has happened with JioMart.
Missing Disclosures Cost JioMart – CCPA Slaps Penalty Over Walkie-Talkies
As per the order issued post investigation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on 21 November 2025, JioMart has been held accountable for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices in the sale of walkie-talkies without mandatory regulatory disclosures.
The investigation revealed that the JioMart, which is operated by Reliance Retail Ltd, listed wireless communication devices without specifying licensing requirements, operating frequencies, or compliance with Indian laws governing radio equipment.
A bench comprising Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra emphasized that JioMart, as a nationwide e-commerce platform, reaches a vast consumer base.
The authority noted that the misleading or non-compliant listings could potentially affect a large number of consumers, invoking Section 21(7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and justifying a penalty for disseminating misleading advertisements.
The case emerged after CCPA noted that JioMart listings failed to provide essential information on walkie-talkies, which are regulated under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Although low-power personal mobile radios operating between 446.0MHz and 446.2MHz are exempt from licensing, manufacturers are still required to obtain equipment type approval (ETA) from the Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing (WPC). JioMart’s listings, however, omitted both frequency and licensing details, potentially misleading consumers into believing the devices could be used without restrictions.
JioMart Fined ₹1 Lakh for Selling Non-Compliant Walkie-Talkies
As per the authority’s preliminary assessment, the product pages lacked mandatory disclosures on licensing, frequency, and certifications such as ETA, WPC, and BIS. The authority noted that e-commerce rules require platforms to prominently display essential product information and ensure sellers provide accurate details.
JioMart initially responded that compliance was the responsibility of sellers and claimed all disputed listings had been removed. However, the CCPA found that essential details were still missing, prompting a detailed investigation.
As per the report of Director General, which was submitted on 19th August 2025, multiple violations were identified: walkie-talkies were listed without proper disclosures, non-compliant products remained accessible, and governance gaps in seller verification were evident. JioMart representatives argued during hearings in September that they acted as intermediaries, removed listings after notices, and had strengthened seller agreements.
After reviewing the evidence, CCPA concluded that JioMart violated Sections 2(9), 2(11), 2(28), and 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act by listing walkie-talkies without mandatory licensing, frequency, and certification information. The authority highlighted that 58 units had been sold to uninformed consumers and reaffirmed that intermediaries must ensure regulatory compliance. A penalty of ₹1 lakh was imposed for these breaches of consumer rights.
We can only say that between listings and carts, the law ensures truth is never lost.
Summary
The CCPA penalized JioMart ₹1 lakh for misleading advertisements and violating consumer rights by selling walkie-talkies without mandatory disclosures on licensing, frequency, and certifications like ETA, WPC, and BIS. Despite claiming compliance was the sellers’ responsibility, 58 units were sold without essential information. The authority emphasized that e-commerce platforms must ensure regulatory adherence and accurate product listings.
