Amazon faced a ₹1 lakh penalty after allowing ordinary sweets under the name “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.” The Central Consumer Protection Authority, or CCPA, called the listing misleading. Officials also said the claim could mislead consumers about product authenticity.
According to CCPA, sellers lacked proof of permission from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Therefore, sellers could not use the temple’s name for ordinary sweets without approval. The authority said this practice violates consumer protection rules governing misleading trade practices.
Moreover, CCPA highlighted the possible impact on religious sentiments. Millions of consumers could trust listings appearing on Amazon because of its extensive reach. Consequently, misleading claims could create greater harm among buyers.
The authority also raised concerns about the listing timeline. Products carrying the false prasad claim appeared before the January 22, 2024 consecration ceremony. CCPA described that event as one of India’s major religious occasions.
On January 19, 2024, CCPA issued Amazon a show-cause notice. Amazon removed the concerned listings after receiving that notice. Later, Amazon described itself as an intermediary. However, CCPA said the platform should have taken preventive steps earlier.
Why Amazon received the ₹1 lakh penalty
CCPA highlighted Amazon’s massive reach across Indian consumers. According to the authority, marketplace listings can increase perceived product credibility. The concerned products also offered delivery across the country.
One listing from Chandu Trading Company generated gross sales worth ₹25,26,309. Amazon also earned marketplace commissions or fees through its regular operations. Therefore, CCPA held Amazon responsible under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The authority also applied provisions under the E-Commerce Rules, 2020. Consequently, CCPA imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on Amazon. The platform must deposit that amount with CCPA within 15 days.
CCPA has also tightened rules around religious product listings. Amazon cannot list, advertise or sell prasad without verified institutional approval. The rule covers prasad, prasadam, mahaprasad, bhog and similar religious products.
The covered institutions include Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. They also include Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The list further includes Shri Jagannath, Shri Kedarnath and Shri Badrinath temples.
Additionally, Shri Somnath, Shri Dwarkadhish and Shri Mahakaleshwar temples form part of the 10 institutions. Amazon must prominently display seller details, addresses and customer service information. Complaint officer details must also remain clearly visible.
On May 28, 2026, CCPA directed Amazon to strengthen its proposed verification system. The system will identify suspicious listings through keywords and remove them. Furthermore, CCPA may review compliance after three to four months.
