Fake Ram Temple 'Prasad' On Amazon: Authorities Issue Notice, Consumers Beware

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), led by Chief Commissioner Rohit Kumar Singh, has taken action against the e-commerce giant Amazon for selling sweets on its platform under the name 'Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad'. The action was initiated following a representation by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), accusing Amazon of engaging in "deceptive trade practices" by selling sweets under this particular guise.

Products such as 'Raghupati Ghee Ladoo', 'Khoya Khobi Ladoo', 'Ghee Bundi Ladoo', and 'Desi Cow Milk Peda' were specifically highlighted in the complaint. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution released a statement, stating that the sale of food products online making false representations misleads consumers about the authentic characteristics of the product.

The CCPA has demanded a response from Amazon within a week. If no response is received, necessary action may be initiated against the company under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It emphasized that under the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules, 2020, the sale of food products online with false representations misguides consumers.

The CCPA noted, "Misleading advertisement" as defined in Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, includes an advertisement that falsely describes a product or service, gives a false guarantee, or is likely to mislead consumers about the nature, substance, quantity, or quality of the product or service.

The consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla is scheduled for January 22, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. Over 7,000 people have been invited, and the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, performed by priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit, is expected to conclude by 1 pm. The idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysore, will be inaugurated, marking the opening of the Ram temple to devotees after the event. The temple is anticipated to attract thousands of pilgrims and tourists daily from across India.