Government issues advisory to e-commerce firms against illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Saturday issued an advisory to e-commerce companies for selling or facilitating the sale of wireless jammers to consumers through their platforms, a government release said.       

According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution official statement, “Sale and use of any wireless device without authorization/license under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 or Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act (IWTA) 1933, unless exempted by rules, is illegal.” 

“Jammers come under the purview of IWTA, 1933 and the Act lays down that license is required for possession and use of the same,” the ministry said. 

As per the Guidelines issued by the Government of India, Jammers may be allowed only under exceptional circumstances, only when authorized by Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, the official statement of ministry added. 

Similarly, the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) had issued an advisory earlier in January 2022 with reference to the illegal facilitation and sale of wireless jammers on online platforms.  

Besides, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT0 had also issued a letter to all e-commerce platforms to comply with the rules and regulations laid down by the government against the sale and purchase of any kind of mobile jammers. 

Under Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, CCPA is empowered to protect, promote and enforce the rights of consumers as a class, and prevent violation of consumers’ rights, the ministry also pointed out in the statement. 

Further, CCPA is empowered to prevent unfair trade practices and ensure that no person engages himself in unfair trade practices, it added. 

CCPA is continuously monitoring the consumer protection landscape in the country. Recently, CCPA issued Safety Notices to alert and caution consumers against buying goods that do not hold valid ISI Mark and violate compulsory BIS standards.