- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 04 Oct 2025 09:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has emphasised that the e-commerce platforms charging extra for the cash-on-delivery will face strict action. The union minister stated that exploitation of consumers will not be accepted, adding that the appropriate actions will be taken to ensure transparency in the growing e-commerce sector. The remarks from Joshi came after several consumers pointed out that these platforms were charging extra for the cash-on-delivery. The consumers also pointed out that they are bound to pay these "extra" charges even after cancelling the order, leading to the outrage.
"The Department of Consumer Affairs has received complaints against e-commerce platforms charging extra for Cash-on-Delivery, a practice classified as a dark pattern that misleads and exploits consumers," Joshi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "A detailed investigation has been initiated and steps are being taken to scrutinize these platforms closely. Strict action will be taken against those violating consumer rights to ensure transparency and uphold fair practices in India’s growing e-commerce sector," he asserted.
Earlier on October 1, one of the consumers stated that one of the firms was charging Offer Handling Fee and Payment Handling Fee. He further took a dig at these platforms by stating that they might even charge for scrolling their apps. "Forget Rain Fee by Zomato/Swiggy/Zepto. See the masterstroke by Flipkart: Offer Handling Fee (for giving me the discount you advertised??); Payment Handling Fee (for letting me pay you??) and Protect Promise Fee (protecting me from what... satisfaction?)," the user stated.
"Next up: "Scrolling App Fee"," he added. Earlier last week, several users also pointed out that the food delivery apps and other platforms were charging extra for delivering the products during the rain. They further stated that these platforms do not usually inform about the charges beforehand or while ordering.