How do I complain to the CCPA about a misleading advertisement?

Question

A company's TV ad makes exaggerated health claims about its product. How can I get the Central Consumer Protection Authority to act against it? I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

How do I complain to the CCPA about a misleading advertisement? is governed in India primarily by Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 10, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 21 and Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(28). The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under Section 10, is empowered to investigate and act against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements suo motu or on complaint.

Section 2(28) defines a 'misleading advertisement' as one that falsely describes a product, gives a false guarantee, or is likely to mislead consumers about its nature, substance or quality.

Under Section 21, the CCPA can direct discontinuation of the advertisement, impose penalties up to Rs 10 lakh (up to Rs 50 lakh for repeat offences), and even prohibit the endorser from endorsing that product for up to a year.

Complaints can be filed with the CCPA through the National Consumer Helpline or the e-Daakhil-linked CCPA portal, separate from an individual compensation claim before a Consumer Commission.

A CCPA action is distinct from a Consumer Commission complaint; you can pursue individual compensation before a Commission while also alerting the CCPA for systemic enforcement.

What to do next: 1) Collect a copy or recording of the misleading advertisement with date and channel/platform details; 2) File a complaint with the CCPA online or through the National Consumer Helpline (1915); 3) Simultaneously, if you suffered a loss, file a separate complaint before the Consumer Commission for compensation; 4) Track the CCPA's investigation and any penalty or discontinuation order passed.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 10 carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.