CCPA Fines Meesho ₹10 Lakh for Selling Uncertified Walkie-Talkies Without Mandatory Disclosures
Consumer Watchdog Flags Misleading Ads and Breach of Telecom Rules
E-Commerce Platforms Ordered to Ensure Compliance Before Listing Wireless Devices
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 09, 2025:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on e-commerce platform Meesho for facilitating the sale of walkie-talkies without mandatory disclosures and approvals. The regulator held that Meesho allowed sellers to list and advertise radio communication devices without informing consumers about key legal requirements, including spectrum compliance, licensing rules, and certification under India’s telecom regulations.
Also Read: Supreme Court: Compromise Cannot Erase Corruption, Restores ₹52.5 Crore Loan Fraud Case
This action is part of a wider crackdown on online marketplaces selling uncertified wireless devices, which pose risks to consumers and national security.
Background of the Case
- Violation Period: Meesho permitted the sale of uncertified walkie-talkies until May 2025.
- Regulatory Concern: Devices lacked approvals from the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications.
- Legal Breach: Use of walkie-talkies is regulated under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and requires specific authorisations.
- Consumer Risk: Buyers were exposed to legal liability and potential safety hazards due to misleading advertisements.
The CCPA noted that despite repeated reminders, Meesho failed to provide full seller information or ensure compliance.
Laws Violated
The CCPA order highlighted multiple violations:
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and deficiency in services.
- Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933: Sale of uncertified radio devices without government approval.
- Telecom Regulations: Lack of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) and WPC certification.
- Advertising Standards: Failure to disclose mandatory compliance details in product listings.
CCPA’s Directions
Also Read: Noida Accountant Arrested in ₹11 Crore Fake GST Invoice Scam
Along with the fine, the CCPA issued strict directions to Meesho:
- Ensure statutory approvals before listing wireless products.
- Submit a compliance report within 15 days.
- Conduct periodic self-audits of product listings.
- Publish self-audit certificates on its website for consumer awareness.
These measures aim to prevent recurrence and strengthen consumer protection in the e-commerce sector.
Wider Crackdown on E-Commerce Platforms
The Meesho case is part of a broader regulatory campaign:
- In May 2025, the CCPA issued notices to 13 online marketplaces over illegal sales of uncertified walkie-talkies.
- Other platforms like Amazon and Flipkart are also under investigation for similar violations.
- The regulator has warned that uncertified wireless devices can interfere with licensed spectrum, posing risks to aviation, defense, and emergency services.
Expert Views
- Legal Experts: Say the fine reinforces accountability of e-commerce platforms under the Consumer Protection Act.
- Telecom Specialists: Warn that uncertified devices can disrupt communication networks and compromise national security.
- Consumer Rights Advocates: Welcome the ruling, stressing that online marketplaces must prioritize safety over profits.
Implications for Consumers
For consumers, the ruling has important implications:
- Awareness: Buyers must check for WPC and ETA certifications before purchasing wireless devices.
- Legal Risk: Using uncertified walkie-talkies can attract penalties under telecom laws.
- Transparency: Platforms are now required to disclose compliance details clearly in product listings.
Conclusion
The ₹10 lakh fine on Meesho marks a turning point in India’s regulation of e-commerce platforms. By penalizing misleading advertisements and illegal sales of uncertified walkie-talkies, the CCPA has sent a strong message: consumer safety and legal compliance cannot be compromised.
For platforms, the ruling underscores the need for robust compliance checks before listing products. For consumers, it highlights the importance of verifying certifications to avoid legal and safety risks.
Suggested Keywords for Faster Searches
- CCPA fine Meesho walkie-talkies
- Meesho ₹10 lakh penalty consumer protection
- Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act violation Meesho
- WPC certification walkie-talkies India
- Consumer Protection Act 2019 Meesho case
- Misleading ads Meesho walkie-talkies
- E-commerce compliance wireless devices India
- Meesho unfair trade practices CCPA
- Telecom law violation walkie-talkies India
- Online marketplaces crackdown uncertified devices
Also Read: Supreme Court Confirms: Gratuity Must Be Paid to Employees Resigning After 5 Years of Service