CCPA Imposes Rs 7 Lakh Penalty on Vajiram & Ravi for Misleading UPSC Success Advertisements
New Delhi, May 30 (TNT): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹7 lakh on Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre LLP for publishing misleading advertisements by concealing material information related to the success of candidates in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023.
The order was issued by the CCPA, headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
According to the Authority, the coaching institute prominently displayed the names, photographs and achievements of successful UPSC candidates in its advertisements, creating the impression that their success was attributable to the institute.
However, it failed to disclose crucial details about the specific courses undertaken by the candidates, thereby concealing material information from prospective students.
The CCPA observed that such omissions amounted to misleading advertisements and were in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The Authority noted that the practice could influence consumer decisions by presenting an incomplete picture of the coaching services availed by successful candidates.
The action has been taken as part of the CCPA’s efforts to safeguard consumer rights and ensure that advertisements do not contain false, deceptive or misleading claims regarding goods or services.
The Authority reiterated that educational and coaching institutions must maintain transparency in their promotional campaigns and provide complete and accurate information to consumers.
The order underscores the government’s continued focus on curbing misleading advertisements and promoting fair trade practices in the education sector.
TNT TS
