Law on Misleading Advertisements in India

Law on Misleading Advertisements in India: Complete Guide 2026

Advertisements shape consumer decisions every day. Whether you are buying a smartphone, choosing a health supplement, booking a hotel, or investing in a financial product, advertisements influence your choices. Businesses spend billions on marketing because effective advertisements can significantly increase sales. However, problems arise when advertisers make false claims, hide important facts, or create unrealistic expectations. This is where the law on misleading advertisements in India plays a crucial role. The law protects consumers from deceptive marketing practices and ensures that businesses communicate honestly. When companies publish misleading advertisements, consumers may lose money, suffer health risks, or make decisions based on false information.

The rise of social media, influencer marketing, and online shopping has increased the reach of advertisements. Consequently, regulators have become more vigilant in addressing misleading advertisements and protecting consumer interests.

This comprehensive guide explains the law on misleading advertisements in India, the legal framework, penalties, consumer rights, complaint procedures, landmark cases, and practical steps consumers can take when they encounter deceptive advertising.

Table of Contents

What Are Misleading Advertisements?

A misleading advertisement is any advertisement that deceives consumers by providing false information, omitting material facts, exaggerating benefits, or creating a false impression about a product or service.

Under the law on misleading advertisements in India, an advertisement may be considered misleading when it:

  • Gives false information about quality or performance.
  • Conceals important limitations.
  • Makes unsubstantiated claims.
  • Misrepresents prices or discounts.
  • Creates unrealistic expectations.
  • Uses fake endorsements or testimonials.

In simple terms, misleading advertisements influence consumers through inaccurate or incomplete information.

For example, if a fairness cream claims guaranteed skin whitening in seven days without scientific evidence, such a claim may qualify as a misleading advertisement.

Why the Law on Misleading Advertisements in India Is Important

Consumers often rely on advertisements before making purchasing decisions. Therefore, businesses must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information about their products and services. The law on misleading advertisements in India plays a vital role in protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices and ensuring fairness in the marketplace. Without strong legal safeguards, companies could easily use misleading advertisements to influence consumer behavior and gain an unfair advantage over competitors.

The law on misleading advertisements in India serves several important objectives:

  • Protects consumers from fraud: It prevents businesses from making false claims about product quality, performance, safety, or benefits.
  • Encourages ethical business practices: It promotes honesty and accountability in advertising and marketing campaigns.
  • Promotes fair competition: It ensures that businesses compete based on genuine product quality rather than deceptive claims.
  • Improves market transparency: Consumers receive accurate information, which helps them make informed decisions.
  • Builds consumer confidence: Trust in brands and markets increases when advertisements remain truthful and reliable.
  • Prevents financial losses: Consumers avoid spending money on products or services that fail to deliver promised results.

Moreover, effective enforcement of the law on misleading advertisements in India protects public interest and strengthens consumer rights. As digital marketing continues to grow, strict regulation becomes even more important. Without effective oversight, misleading advertisements could distort competition, undermine consumer trust, and cause significant financial and social harm to millions of people.

Legal Framework Governing Misleading Advertisements in India

India has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework to combat misleading advertisements.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, is the cornerstone of the law on misleading advertisements in India.

The Act recognizes misleading advertisements as an unfair trade practice and grants extensive powers to regulatory authorities.

According to the Act, an advertisement may be misleading if it:

  • Falsely describes a product.
  • Provides false guarantees.
  • Misrepresents quality or quantity.
  • Deliberately conceals important information.
  • Misleads consumers regarding benefits.

The Act significantly strengthened consumer rights by introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

The Central Consumer Protection Authority is the primary regulator responsible for enforcing the law on misleading advertisements in India.

The CCPA can:

  • Investigate complaints.
  • Conduct inquiries.
  • Order withdrawal of advertisements.
  • Impose penalties.
  • Direct corrective advertisements.
  • Restrict endorsements.

The authority can act on consumer complaints or initiate investigations independently.

As a result, businesses must exercise greater caution when publishing advertisements.

Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)

The Advertising Standards Council of India is a self-regulatory body that monitors advertising practices.

ASCI requires advertisements to be:

  • Honest
  • Truthful
  • Decent
  • Responsible

Although ASCI does not impose statutory penalties, its recommendations carry significant weight. Many companies voluntarily modify or withdraw advertisements after ASCI intervention.

ASCI regularly receives complaints regarding misleading advertisements across television, print, digital, and social media platforms.

Competition Act, 2002

False advertising can distort competition. Therefore, the Competition Commission of India may intervene when misleading advertisements affect market fairness.

Businesses cannot gain an unfair competitive advantage through deceptive marketing practices.

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Food products frequently use health-related claims.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) monitors advertisements that claim:

  • Weight loss benefits
  • Immunity enhancement
  • Disease prevention
  • Nutritional superiority

False health claims may violate both food safety regulations and the law on misleading advertisements in India.

What Are the Most Common Types of Misleading Advertisements?

Understanding the various forms of misleading advertisements helps consumers recognize deceptive marketing tactics and make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses often use different methods to attract attention and increase sales. However, when advertisers exaggerate claims, conceal important facts, or create false impressions, they may violate the law on misleading advertisements in India. Therefore, consumers should remain alert and carefully evaluate advertising claims before making purchases.

False Performance Claims

Many companies promote products by claiming extraordinary results without scientific proof or reliable evidence. These advertisements often create unrealistic expectations and influence consumers to spend money on products that fail to deliver promised benefits.

Examples include:

  • Instant weight loss products
  • Guaranteed exam success courses
  • Miracle health supplements

In many cases, advertisers cannot substantiate these claims with credible data. Consequently, such advertisements frequently violate the law on misleading advertisements in India and may attract regulatory action.

Fake Discounts

Retailers sometimes manipulate pricing to create an illusion of significant savings. For example, a seller may first increase a product’s price and later advertise a large discount on the inflated amount.

Consumers believe they are receiving exceptional value when, in reality, the actual selling price remains unchanged. As a result, fake discount schemes have become one of the most common forms of misleading advertisements, particularly on e-commerce platforms and during festive sales.

Bait Advertising

Businesses often advertise products at unusually low prices to attract customers. However, when consumers visit the store or website, the advertised item may be unavailable or available only in extremely limited quantities.

Instead, sales representatives encourage consumers to purchase more expensive alternatives. Therefore, bait advertising can mislead consumers and undermine fair competition.

Hidden Conditions

Some advertisers prominently display benefits while concealing important restrictions in fine print.

Examples include:

  • Free trial offers with automatic billing
  • Zero-interest loans with hidden charges
  • Cashback offers with complicated conditions

Although these advertisements appear attractive, hidden terms can significantly alter the actual offer. Consequently, such practices often qualify as misleading advertisements under consumer protection laws.

Misleading Health Claims

Health-related advertisements require special scrutiny because they directly affect public health and consumer safety. Unscrupulous businesses sometimes promote products using exaggerated medical claims without scientific validation.

Examples include:

  • Guaranteed cure for diabetes
  • Permanent hair regrowth
  • Complete immunity enhancement

Such claims can mislead vulnerable consumers who seek quick solutions to serious health concerns. Therefore, regulators closely monitor these advertisements, and unsupported claims may violate the law on misleading advertisements in India. By identifying these common practices, consumers can better protect themselves from deceptive marketing and financial loss.

How Influencer Marketing Contributes to Misleading Advertisements

Social media influencers now play a major role in modern advertising. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X have transformed influencers into powerful marketing channels. As a result, millions of consumers rely on influencer recommendations before purchasing products, services, or subscriptions. However, this growing influence has also increased concerns about misleading advertisements.

Problems often arise when influencers promote products without clearly disclosing paid partnerships or sponsorship arrangements. In many cases, followers assume that recommendations reflect genuine personal experiences when they actually form part of a paid marketing campaign. Consequently, consumers may make purchasing decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

To address these concerns, regulators have introduced guidelines that require influencers to:

  • Clearly disclose paid partnerships and sponsored content.
  • Avoid making false, exaggerated, or unverified claims.
  • Verify product information before providing endorsements.
  • Maintain transparency regarding commercial relationships.
  • Ensure that promotional content does not mislead consumers.

Furthermore, influencers should exercise caution when promoting health products, financial services, educational courses, and investment opportunities. False claims in these sectors can cause significant financial or health-related harm to consumers.

Influencers who participate in misleading advertisements may face legal consequences, including regulatory investigations, penalties, and restrictions on future endorsements. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and related guidelines hold endorsers accountable when they fail to exercise due diligence before promoting products.

The law on misleading advertisements in India increasingly focuses on digital advertising because online content reaches consumers instantly and on a massive scale. Moreover, influencer marketing often blurs the line between personal opinion and paid promotion. Therefore, regulators continue to strengthen oversight to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and prevent misleading advertisements from influencing purchasing decisions. Businesses, influencers, and consumers must all understand their responsibilities under the law on misleading advertisements in India to create a fair and trustworthy digital marketplace.

Celebrity Endorsements and Legal Liability

Celebrities often influence consumer behavior more effectively than traditional advertisements. Consumers tend to trust products and services endorsed by well-known personalities because they associate credibility, success, and reputation with the celebrity. Consequently, celebrity endorsements can significantly impact purchasing decisions. However, this influence also creates a responsibility to ensure that endorsements remain truthful and accurate.

Recognizing this influence, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, imposes specific responsibilities on celebrity endorsers. The law on misleading advertisements in India requires celebrities to exercise reasonable due diligence before promoting any product or service. In other words, celebrities should verify advertising claims and ensure that businesses possess adequate evidence to support those claims.

Before endorsing a product, celebrities should:

  • Conduct reasonable due diligence.
  • Verify product claims and benefits.
  • Review supporting evidence provided by the advertiser.
  • Ensure that advertisements do not contain false or exaggerated statements.
  • Avoid endorsing products that may mislead consumers.

If celebrities knowingly support misleading advertisements, authorities may:

  • Impose monetary penalties.
  • Ban future endorsements for a specified period.
  • Order corrective measures and public disclosures.

These provisions aim to discourage irresponsible endorsements and increase accountability in advertising. Furthermore, they encourage celebrities to carefully evaluate products before associating their reputation with them.

The law on misleading advertisements in India recognizes that celebrity endorsements can strongly influence public perception. Therefore, holding endorsers accountable helps protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices. By imposing legal liability for misleading advertisements, the law strengthens consumer protection, promotes transparency, and encourages responsible advertising practices across industries. Ultimately, these safeguards help create a more trustworthy marketplace where consumers can make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate information.

Penalties Under the Law on Misleading Advertisements in India

The law on misleading advertisements in India imposes strict penalties to discourage deceptive advertising practices and protect consumer interests. These penalties not only punish violators but also encourage businesses, influencers, and endorsers to maintain transparency and accuracy in their marketing campaigns. Furthermore, strong enforcement helps create a fair marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions based on truthful information.

Monetary Penalties

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) may impose substantial monetary penalties on advertisers, manufacturers, and endorsers who publish or support misleading advertisements. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, authorizes the CCPA to impose penalties of up to ₹10 lakh for a first violation. For repeated violations, the penalty may increase to ₹50 lakh.

These financial consequences encourage businesses to verify advertising claims before publication and ensure compliance with the law on misleading advertisements in India.

Withdrawal of Advertisements

Authorities may direct businesses to immediately discontinue or withdraw deceptive advertisements from all platforms, including television, print media, websites, and social media channels.

This action prevents further consumer harm and limits the spread of false information. Additionally, it helps stop consumers from making purchasing decisions based on inaccurate claims.

Corrective Advertisements

The CCPA may require businesses to publish corrective advertisements that clarify previous false or misleading claims. These advertisements provide accurate information and help consumers understand the true nature of the product or service.

Corrective advertisements also restore transparency and reinforce accountability among advertisers.

Endorsement Restrictions

Influencers and celebrities may face endorsement restrictions if they knowingly participate in misleading advertisements. Authorities may prohibit them from endorsing products or services for a specified period.

Such restrictions strengthen the law on misleading advertisements in India by ensuring that public figures exercise due diligence before promoting products. Consequently, these penalties improve consumer protection, promote ethical advertising, and discourage deceptive marketing practices across industries.

Landmark Cases on Misleading Advertisements in India

1. Dabur India Ltd. v. Colortek Meghalaya Pvt. Ltd.

Dabur India initiated this suit after Colortek published an advertisement that it argued was deceptive and disparaging toward its products. The Delhi High Court accepted jurisdiction and moved to frame the constitutional boundary that would govern all future disputes of this kind. First, the court affirmed that commercial speech enjoys protection under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, meaning advertisers hold a fundamental right to communicate. Building on that foundation, however, the court drew a decisive line. An advertisement forfeits that constitutional protection the moment it crosses from self-glorification into deception. Significantly, the court distinguished between “puffery”, the long-tolerated practice of boasting that one’s goods are the finest, and affirmative misrepresentation.

Furthermore, it held that a seller may compare products with competitors and extol advantages, provided the comparison does not deliberately mislead consumers about the competitor’s goods. Consequently, the ruling became the bedrock on which Indian courts thereafter measured every misleading advertisement claim.

Core ruling

Advertisements lose Article 19(1)(a) protection when they move beyond glorifying a product and actively deceive consumers. Courts must ask whether a reasonable consumer would be misled, not merely whether the claim is technically imprecise.

2. Horlicks Ltd. v. Heinz India Private Limited

Drawing directly from the Dabur framework, the Delhi High Court confronted a sharper factual dispute when Horlicks challenged Heinz India’s comparative health-drink advertisements. Heinz had positioned its Complan brand as nutritionally superior, making specific parametric claims, protein content, and number of nutrients, which Horlicks alleged were unsubstantiated and disparaging. The court accepted this argument and held that comparative advertising, while permissible in principle, imposes a strict evidentiary burden on the advertiser making the comparison. In other words, the moment an advertiser transitions from saying “our product is great” to “our product is measurably better than Brand X,” it must possess scientific evidence capable of validating every specific claim it makes.

Moreover, the court ruled that denigrating a rival’s product, rather than merely extolling one’s own, constitutes unlawful disparagement even when disguised as an objective comparison. As a result, Heinz faced an injunction restraining the offending advertisements, and the judgment raised the evidential bar across India’s fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Core ruling

Comparative advertising is legal only when each specific claim rests on verifiable scientific evidence. Advertisers who transition to making numerical or parametric comparisons without evidence commit both misrepresentation and unlawful disparagement.

3. Indian Medical Association v. Union of India (“The Patanjali Case”)

Building on two decades of High Court jurisprudence, the Supreme Court confronted a systemic failure rather than a single advertisement. The Indian Medical Association filed a petition after Patanjali Ayurved, under Baba Ramdev’s endorsement, ran advertisements disparaging allopathic medicine while making curative claims for its herbal products, claims that regulators had neither independently verified nor restrained. The Supreme Court went far beyond issuing an injunction: it turned its gaze on the state itself. Through a series of escalating orders culminating on April 23, 2024, the court held that the Central Consumer Protection Authority, state governments, FSSAI, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had collectively failed to enforce existing laws.

Additionally, the court placed celebrities and public figures on notice, ruling that endorsers must independently verify product claims before lending their credibility to advertisements. Furthermore, the bench directed Patanjali to issue public apologies in the very newspapers that had carried the misleading advertisements. Ultimately, the judgment transformed consumer protection from a private remedy between two competing companies into a public-law obligation of the state, establishing that systemic non-enforcement is itself unconstitutional.

Core ruling

Regulatory inaction against misleading health advertisements violates consumer rights at a constitutional level. Celebrity endorsers bear independent legal accountability, and the state must proactively enforce consumer protection laws rather than wait for private complaints.

Consumer Rights Against Misleading Advertisements

law on misleading advertisements in India

The law on misleading advertisements in India provides strong legal protection to consumers who face deceptive marketing practices. These rights help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and seek remedies when businesses publish false or misleading claims. Furthermore, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, strengthens consumer empowerment by ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the marketplace.

Right to Information

Consumers have the right to receive accurate, complete, and truthful information about products and services before making a purchase. Businesses must clearly disclose details regarding quality, quantity, price, ingredients, risks, and performance. Therefore, advertisers cannot hide material facts or exaggerate product benefits.

The law on misleading advertisements in India protects consumers from false representations and ensures that businesses provide reliable information that supports informed decision-making.

Right to Safety

Consumers must be protected from products and services that may endanger their health, safety, or property. This right becomes especially important in sectors such as healthcare, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer electronics.

Consequently, regulators closely monitor misleading advertisements that make unsupported health or safety claims. Businesses cannot market potentially harmful products through deceptive promotional tactics.

Right to Consumer Education

Consumers have the right to learn about deceptive business practices and identify misleading advertisements. Consumer awareness enables individuals to recognize false claims, fake discounts, hidden conditions, and deceptive endorsements.

Moreover, educational initiatives help consumers understand their legal rights and available remedies under the law on misleading advertisements in India.

Right to Seek Compensation

Consumers can seek compensation when misleading advertisements cause financial loss, physical harm, or emotional distress. Consumer courts and regulatory authorities may award various forms of relief, including:

  • Refunds
  • Damages
  • Product replacement
  • Litigation expenses

Additionally, consumers may seek corrective action against advertisers who engage in deceptive practices. These rights ensure that businesses remain accountable for their claims and encourage ethical advertising practices. Ultimately, the law on misleading advertisements in India empowers consumers to challenge false advertising and effectively protect their interests.

How to File a Complaint Against Misleading Advertisements

If you encounter misleading advertisements, you should act promptly to protect your rights and prevent further consumer harm. The law on misleading advertisements in India provides multiple remedies through regulatory authorities, consumer commissions, and self-regulatory bodies. By following a systematic approach, consumers can strengthen their complaints and improve their chances of obtaining relief.

Step 1: Collect Evidence

First, gather and preserve all relevant evidence related to the advertisement and the product or service. Strong evidence plays a crucial role in proving that the advertisement was deceptive or misleading.

Preserve:

  • Screenshots
  • Videos
  • Promotional emails
  • Bills and invoices
  • Product packaging

Additionally, keep records of conversations, customer support emails, and payment receipts. Comprehensive documentation strengthens your case under the law on misleading advertisements in India.

Step 2: Contact the Business

Before initiating formal proceedings, contact the advertiser or seller directly. Many disputes can be resolved through customer support channels without legal action.

Request:

  • Clarification
  • Refund
  • Product replacement

Furthermore, maintain written communication whenever possible, as it may serve as valuable evidence later.

Step 3: File a Consumer Complaint

If the business fails to resolve the issue, file a complaint before the appropriate consumer forum.

Consumers may approach:

  • District Consumer Commission
  • State Consumer Commission
  • National Consumer Commission

These forums can award compensation, refunds, replacement products, and other remedies against businesses responsible for misleading advertisements.

Step 4: Report to ASCI

Consumers may also submit complaints against misleading advertisements to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The complaint process is straightforward, accessible, and designed to address deceptive advertising practices efficiently.

Step 5: Approach Sector Regulators

Certain industries have specialized regulators that investigate false advertising claims.

Depending on the product, complaints may be filed with:

  • FSSAI
  • SEBI
  • RBI
  • IRDAI

These regulators frequently investigate deceptive advertising practices and take corrective action when necessary. By following these steps, consumers can effectively enforce their rights under the law on misleading advertisements in India and hold advertisers accountable for misleading claims.

How to Ensure Compliance With the Law on Misleading Advertisements in India

Businesses must adopt responsible advertising practices to comply with the law on misleading advertisements in India and maintain consumer trust. Regulatory authorities increasingly scrutinize marketing campaigns, digital promotions, and influencer partnerships to identify misleading advertisements. Therefore, companies should establish strong compliance systems that promote transparency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the advertising process.

Businesses should follow these best practices:

  • Verify every advertising claim: Ensure that all statements regarding product features, performance, benefits, or pricing are accurate and supported by credible evidence before publication.
  • Maintain supporting documentation: Keep scientific studies, test reports, certifications, and research data that substantiate advertising claims. Proper documentation can help defend against regulatory investigations and consumer complaints.
  • Avoid exaggerated promises: Do not make unrealistic claims that create false expectations among consumers. Businesses should present products honestly and avoid overstating benefits.
  • Disclose limitations clearly: Communicate important restrictions, eligibility criteria, risks, and conditions clearly and understandably. Hidden terms often lead to allegations of misleading advertisements.
  • Ensure transparency in pricing: Display prices, discounts, service charges, and additional fees accurately. Transparent pricing reduces consumer disputes and improves credibility.
  • Train marketing teams regularly: Educate employees about advertising regulations, consumer protection laws, and compliance requirements under the law on misleading advertisements in India.
  • Review influencer partnerships carefully: Verify that influencers disclose sponsored content properly and avoid making unsupported claims about products or services.

Additionally, businesses should conduct periodic legal reviews of advertising campaigns to identify potential compliance risks before publication. Proactive compliance not only reduces legal liability but also strengthens brand reputation and customer loyalty. By following these practices, companies can minimize the risk of publishing misleading advertisements, protect consumer interests, and ensure full compliance with the law on misleading advertisements in India.

Future of Advertising Regulation in India

Advertising regulation in India is evolving rapidly as businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to reach consumers. Traditional advertising channels continue to play an important role. However, regulators now focus more closely on online promotions because they can influence millions of consumers within seconds. As a result, authorities are continuously updating policies and enforcement mechanisms to address emerging risks associated with misleading advertisements.

Authorities are increasingly focusing on:
  • Influencer marketing: Regulators are strengthening disclosure requirements to ensure influencers clearly identify sponsored content and avoid deceptive endorsements.
  • Artificial intelligence-generated advertisements: Businesses are increasingly using AI tools to create marketing content. Therefore, regulators may introduce rules requiring transparency regarding AI-generated claims and promotional material.
  • E-commerce promotions: Online sales campaigns, flash sales, and discount offers frequently attract scrutiny because deceptive pricing practices can mislead consumers.
  • Online marketplace listings: Authorities are paying closer attention to product descriptions, ratings, reviews, and seller representations on digital marketplaces.
  • Sponsored content: Regulators aim to ensure that consumers can easily distinguish advertising from independent editorial or personal content.

Furthermore, future reforms may introduce stricter disclosure obligations, faster complaint resolution systems, and stronger penalties for repeat offenders. Regulators may also increase monitoring of cross-border digital advertisements and emerging marketing technologies.

The law on misleading advertisements in India will likely become more technology-driven as authorities adopt advanced monitoring tools to detect violations more efficiently. Additionally, businesses may face greater accountability for advertisements distributed through third-party platforms, influencers, and affiliate networks.

As digital marketing continues to expand, enforcement of the law on misleading advertisements in India is expected to become even more robust. Consequently, businesses must prioritize transparency, evidence-based claims, and ethical advertising practices to remain compliant. Stronger regulation will not only reduce the prevalence of misleading advertisements but also enhance consumer trust, promote fair competition, and create a more accountable advertising ecosystem in India.

Conclusion

The law on misleading advertisements in India plays a critical role in protecting consumers and ensuring fair market practices. Through the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA, ASCI, and sector-specific regulators, India has established a strong framework against deceptive advertising.

Businesses must ensure that every claim is truthful, verifiable, and transparent. At the same time, consumers should remain vigilant and report misleading advertisements whenever they encounter them.

As digital advertising continues to evolve, awareness of the law on misleading advertisements in India will become increasingly important. An informed consumer is the strongest defense against deceptive marketing practices. Understanding your rights can help you make better purchasing decisions and hold advertisers accountable for false claims.

References

  1. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (Government of India)
    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/Consumer%20Protection%20Act%202019.pdf
  2. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) – Ministry of Consumer Affairs
    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/organisation-and-units/division/consumer-protection-unit/central-consumer-protection-authority
  3. Consumer Affairs Department – Government of India
    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in
  4. E-Daakhil Consumer Complaint Portal
    https://edaakhil.nic.in
  5. Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)
    https://ascionline.in
  6. ASCI Code for Self-Regulation of Advertising Content in India
    https://ascionline.in/code-of-self-regulation
  7. Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022
    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/sites/default/files/Guidelines%20for%20Prevention%20of%20Misleading%20Advertisements%20and%20Endorsements%20for%20Misleading%20Advertisements%2C%202022.pdf
  8. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
    https://www.cci.gov.in
  9. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
    https://www.fssai.gov.in
  10. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    https://www.sebi.gov.in
  11. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    https://www.irdai.gov.in
  12. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – Consumer Education and Protection
    https://www.rbi.org.in
  13. National Consumer Helpline (NCH)
    https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
  14. Department of Consumer Affairs – Consumer Rights Information
    https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/consumer-rights
  15. Press Information Bureau – Consumer Protection and CCPA Updates
    https://pib.gov.in

FAQs on Law on Misleading Advertisements in India

  • The law on misleading advertisements in India primarily comes under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It prohibits false, deceptive, or exaggerated advertising claims and empowers authorities to take action against businesses, influencers, and endorsers who publish misleading advertisements.

  • Misleading advertisements include false claims, fake discounts, hidden terms and conditions, deceptive health claims, and exaggerated product benefits. Any advertisement that creates a false impression or conceals important information may violate the law on misleading advertisements in India.

  • Yes. Consumers can file complaints before Consumer Commissions, report misleading advertisements to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), or submit complaints to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The law on misleading advertisements in India provides multiple remedies for affected consumers.

  • Yes. Celebrities and influencers may face penalties if they knowingly endorse products through misleading advertisements. The Consumer Protection Act requires endorsers to conduct due diligence before promoting products or services.

  • Under the law on misleading advertisements in India, authorities may impose monetary penalties, order withdrawal of advertisements, require corrective advertisements, and restrict celebrity or influencer endorsements. Repeat violations often attract stricter penalties and regulatory action.

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