In a major regulatory push to protect consumers and enforce radio frequency compliance, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a ₹1 lakh penalty against M/s Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP.
The enforcement action comes after the authority identified misleading product listings and advertisements for walkie-talkies on the company’s website that failed to declare crucial regulatory and operational information.
The order, issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, was delivered by a bench led by Chief Commissioner Smt. Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Shri Anupam Mishra. It signals an aggressive stance by Indian consumer watchdogs against missing technical disclosures in online product promotions.
Key Regulatory Disclosures Omitted
The central issue in the case against Hogar Technologies involved the lack of clear specifications regarding operating frequencies, licensing requirements, and official regulatory approvals on its product pages.
Under India’s Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018, Personal Mobile Radios (PMRs) operating within the specific 446.0–446.2 MHz band are exempt from individual user licensing. However, any radio frequency devices operating outside this narrow window require explicit regulatory authorization and licenses.
During the proceedings, Hogar Technologies argued that:
- It held a valid Dealer Possessing Licence (DPL).
- Its devices possessed equipment type approvals (ETA certifications).
- Its website functioned primarily as an informational hub for lead generation rather than a direct sales portal.
The CCPA rejected these arguments, clarifying that holding internal regulatory approvals does not release a vendor from providing full, transparent disclosures to prospective buyers prior to purchase. Furthermore, the authority ruled that promotional websites—even those lacking a shopping cart or payment gateway—fall directly within the scope of advertising standards under the law.
“The omission of material information concerning operating frequencies and licensing requirements is likely to mislead consumers about the conditions under which the advertised devices could lawfully be operated,” the Authority stated, emphasizing that non-compliance exposes buyers to unforeseen legal and financial liabilities.
Broader Enforcement Across Major E-Commerce Platforms
The action against Hogar Technologies forms part of a massive nationwide sweep initiated by the CCPA after taking suo motu cognisance of unregulated walkie-talkie sales online.
Total Non-Compliant Listings Identified : 16,970+
Notices Issued to E-Commerce Platforms : 13
Final Orders Passed Against Entities : 12
Total Cumulative Penalties Imposed : ₹58 Lakh
Across various marketplaces, the authority identified over 16,970 non-compliant listings and issued notices to 13 prominent platforms. To date, 12 final orders have been executed, accumulating ₹58 lakh in penalties.
- ₹10 Lakh Penalties: Imposed on major operators including Amazon Seller Services, Flipkart Internet, Meesho, Meta Platforms (Facebook Marketplace), and TradeIndia.
- ₹1 Lakh Penalties: Issued to JioMart, Talk Pro, Chimiya, MaskMan Toys, Sanchar Wireless Communications, Antriksh Technosys, and Hogar Technologies.
Industry Challenges and Legal Appeals
Several e-commerce giants have moved judicial forums to contest the orders:
- Amazon and Flipkart have filed petitions before the Hon’ble Karnataka High Court.
- Meta Platforms and TradeIndia have appealed to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), where TradeIndia has been ordered to deposit the penalty amount.
- IndiaMART InterMESH Ltd. has challenged the proceedings in the Hon’ble Delhi High Court while the primary investigation remains underway.
Reiterating its stance, the CCPA stated that clear regulatory disclosures remain non-negotiable for products tied to public safety and wireless communications, committing to strict ongoing monitoring of digital storefronts.
