Supreme Court Today (July 21) heard a plea seeking public display of seller details to protect consumers. Petition calls “right to know” a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India took up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that strongly argues every consumer should have the right to know who they are buying from—whether in a physical store or online.
The PIL says that it should be compulsory for all sellers, shopkeepers, distributors, and dealers to display their full name, address, license or registration number, and contact number in a clear and visible manner at their shops or online platforms.
This PIL has been filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who requested the Court to order both the Central and State Governments to make rules so that seller information is publicly displayed at retail shops, restaurants, eateries, dealers, and also online platforms.
The bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the matter and issued a notice, asking the government to respond within four weeks.
While presenting the case, Advocate Eklavya Dwivedi, appearing for the petitioner, said-
“We seek to highlight the asymmetry which exists on the ground with respect to the information that is available to the consumers, because of this lack of information about the…”
The PIL will now come up again after four weeks, when the government is expected to reply.
The main point of the PIL is that every consumer should not only know about the product—like its quantity, quality, and certification—but also about the seller. This includes their real name, shop address, registration or license number, and contact details.
The petition supports this demand using the definitions in Sections 2(6), 2(9), 2(10), and 2(11) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The PIL also wants the Supreme Court to declare that consumers have a fundamental right to such information.
The petitioner asks the Court to direct governments to make it compulsory for all sellers—whether in shops or online—to put up this information clearly at the shop entrance or on the website in big, readable letters.
The petition strongly says-
“Right to Know” is a Consumer’s Fundamental Right
It explains that this right comes from Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which talks about the freedom of speech and expression, and that includes the right to get information to make informed choices.
The petition further says-
“Every consumer has the right to access information about the product, the service, and the identity of the seller before making a transaction,”
The PIL gives several reasons why this right is important
- Informed Decision-Making: If consumers know who the seller is, they can decide whether to trust them or not.
- Redressal of Grievances: If there’s a problem with the product, having contact details of the seller helps the consumer complain or take legal action.
- Fraud Prevention: Without seller details, anonymous sellers can cheat people, especially in areas like food and healthcare.
- Fair Competition: When sellers give full details, it builds trust and transparency, which is good for the entire market.
What the PIL is asking the Court
- Declare that every consumer has a right to know the name and contact of sellers.
- Ask the Centre and State Governments to make rules that all shopkeepers, sellers, dealers, and eateries must display their identity clearly at their place of business.
- Any other directions the Court thinks are needed to protect consumer rights.
CASE TITLE:
ASHWINI KUMAR UPADHYAY vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
W.P.(C) No. 667/2025
Would You Like Assistance In Drafting A Legal Notice Or Complaint?
CLICK HERE
Click Here to Read Our Reports on CJI BR Gavai
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Consumer’s Fundamental Right
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
