Supreme Court Gives States Six Weeks to Display Seller Licences

• The Supreme Court has given states six weeks to respond to a plea seeking mandatory display of seller licenses, names, and contact details at shops and online stores.
• The petition draws support from Sections 2(6), 2(9), 2(10), and 2(11) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• The Supreme Court's order has significant implications for online marketplaces and physical shops in India.

The petition seeks directions to make it mandatory for sellers to display their license details, names, and contact information at the entrance of commercial establishments and on online marketplaces.

The Supreme Court has given states six weeks to respond to a plea seeking mandatory display of seller licenses, names, and contact details at shops and online stores. The court granted the time after Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay informed it that only six states had filed their responses so far. The bench noted that service had been completed on all respondents and directed the remaining states to file their responses within six weeks, warning of coercive orders if they failed to comply.

The order was passed by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, who were hearing the public interest litigation filed by Upadhyay. The plea seeks directions to make it mandatory for sellers to display their license details, names, and contact information at the entrance of commercial establishments and on online marketplaces.

The petition draws support from Sections 2(6), 2(9), 2(10), and 2(11) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The plea argues that access to seller details is essential for informed decision-making and redressal of grievances. According to the petition, every consumer has the right to know the identity and credentials of those from whom they purchase goods and services.

The PIL asserts that the 'right to know' is rooted in Article 19(1)(a) and forms an essential part of the right to make informed decisions. The plea argues that access to seller details is crucial for consumers to assess a seller's credibility before making a transaction.

The Supreme Court's order has significant implications for online marketplaces and physical shops in India. Lawyers should watch for the potential coercive orders that may be passed against states failing to comply with the order, and advise clients on the mandatory display requirements for their online marketplaces and physical shops.

The petition seeks to safeguard consumers' 'Right to Know', which is a fundamental right of every consumer. The plea argues that access to seller details is essential for informed decision-making and redressal of grievances. The Supreme Court's order has given states six weeks to respond, but the implications of non-compliance are clear.

Lawyers should watch for the potential coercive orders that may be passed against states failing to comply with the order, and advise clients on the mandatory display requirements for their online marketplaces and physical shops.

Source: Original reporting via Supreme Court Gives States Final Chance To Reply In Plea Seeking Mandatory Display Of Seller Licences At Shops, Online Stores