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 would like to understand which provision governs this, what it entitles me to, and how long I have before the remedy lapses. I also want to know whether I need a lawyer for this or can do it myself.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

In India, the answer to "How do I complain to the CCPA about a misleading advertisement?" turns on Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 10, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 21 and Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(28). The points below set out the position and then what to do about it, in the order it should be done.

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.

Practical steps: 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 — remedies under Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 10 carry limitation periods, and unexplained delay 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 consumer law.