CCPA Fines Sriram's IAS ₹3 Lakh for Misleading Advertisement

New Delhi, : The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on Sriram's IAS, a prominent coaching institute, for publishing a misleading advertisement. This action was taken as part of the government's commitment to protecting and promoting consumer rights, ensuring that no false or deceptive advertising of goods or services is allowed under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The CCPA's decision, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, was prompted by an advertisement related to the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. Sriram's IAS had made bold claims in their promotional materials, including "More than 200 selections in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022" and "We are India's No. 1 prestigious UPSC/IAS coaching institute."

Upon investigation, the CCPA discovered that while the institute advertised a broad range of courses, it had deliberately concealed information about which specific courses were opted for by the successful candidates mentioned in the UPSC results. This omission misled consumers into believing that all the successful candidates had enrolled in the paid courses advertised by Sriram's IAS.

The CCPA's order is a significant step in upholding the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and serves as a warning to other businesses to avoid engaging in similar practices. The penalty reinforces the importance of transparency and accuracy in advertising, particularly in the education sector, where consumers rely heavily on advertised claims when making decisions.

This action is expected to set a precedent and encourage greater responsibility among educational institutions in their advertising practices