Complaints of unethical practices by e-commerce firms: Govt

Government has received complaints regarding unethical practices by e-commerce companies, which currently do not fall under any single set of laws.
"Complaints regarding unethical practices by e-commerce companies are received by the government which are being handled under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 which deals with all fraudulent activities faced by consumers," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
He was replying to a query with regard to complaints received by the government against some portals for engaging in unethical deals.
The minister further said, at present there is no single set of law or regulations to govern the e-commerce industry and therefore these activities come under the purview of different laws including Information Technology Act, 2000, the Income Tax laws, Competition Act, FERA etc.

"Foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for e-commerce are administered as per FDI policy as contained in "consolidated FDI policy circular 2015" which is notified under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999," Prasad said.
He further added any violation of FDI regulations, either in e-commerce or otherwise, is covered by the penal provisions for FEMA.
"Reserve Bank of India administers the FEMA and Directorate of Enforcement under Ministry of Finance is the authority for enforcement of FEMA," Prasad said.