Regulatory body to check misleading ads proposed
The setting up of a National Consumer Protection Regulatory Authority to curb the increasing number of misleading advertisements has been proposed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
The setting up of a National Consumer Protection Regulatory Authority to curb the increasing number of misleading advertisements has been proposed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
According to Mr Anil K. Agarwal, President, ASSOCHAM, in the absence of suitable regulatory mechanism, the promoters of such fake advertisements had no fear of arrest and penalty, and were cheating a large number of consumers.
Among the sectors identified were consumer durables, fitness equipment, herbal, beauty products, cosmetics and detergents, as well as pharmaceuticals, auto components, engineering.
The regulatory mechanism proposed by the chamber would consist of a Chairperson from a legal background and 20 members.
The Authority would also work closely with State Governments and union territories in consultation with credible voluntary consumer organisations and NGOs to generate awareness against such unfair business practices.
The Chamber suggested that the Ministry of Consumer Affairs find an alternative mechanism to check such practices until the Government establishes such a regulatory body.
