The Central Consumer Protection Authority(CCPA) has directed e-commerce giant Flipkart to recall 598 poor quality pressure cookers sold online and reimburse the  money paid by consumers.  The company has to submit a compliance report within 45 days.

Flipkart  has also been directed to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh fine for the sale of these defective pressure cookers on its platform and violating the rights of consumers.

The Central Government, from time to time, notifies the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) specifying compulsory conformity to a standard and use of the standard mark for a product to protect consumers from the risk of suffering injury and harm and in the interest of the public at large.

Govt rules stipulate conformity to IS 2347:2017 guidelines for all domestic pressure cookers and due diligence is required to be done whether the products are offered for sale online or offline.

CCPA observed that provisions in the ‘Flipkart Terms of Use’ such as mandatory use of the words ‘Powered by Flipkart’ on every invoice of the product and distinguishing sellers as Gold, Silver, and Bronze for distribution of various benefits indicate the role played by Flipkart in the sale of the pressure cookers on its e-commerce platform.

Flipkart admittedly earned a total fee of Rs 1,84,263 through the sale of such pressure cookers on its e-commerce platform. It was observed by CCPA that when Flipkart has gained commercially from the sale of such pressure cookers, it cannot alienate itself from the role and responsibility arising out of their sale to consumers.

To raise awareness and quality consciousness among consumers, CCPA has launched a country-wide campaign to prevent the sale of spurious and counterfeit goods that violate QCOs published by the Central Government. Daily use products identified as part of the campaign include Helmets, Domestic Pressure Cookers, and Cooking Gas Cylinders.