The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, all state governments, and the Law Commission of India on a Public Interest Litigation that seeks to strengthen consumer rights by mandating full disclosure of product and seller information.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the concerned authorities to respond to the petition, which calls for concrete steps to uphold the consumer’s “right to know” — a principle the petitioner argues is central to consumer protection and market fairness.
PIL Demands Mandatory Disclosure By Sellers & Distributors
Filed by advocate and activist Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, the PIL urges the government to ensure that all traders, distributors, and shop owners prominently display key registration details. These include their name, address, contact information, registration number, and the number of employees — all to be shown in bold letters on a display board at the entry point of their establishments.
According to the petitioner, such transparency would give consumers the necessary tools to identify sellers and seek redress in case of grievances, particularly involving substandard or misrepresented goods and services.
“Right To Know” As A Consumer Right
The plea emphasizes that the right to know is not only a matter of transparency but also a critical consumer right. It enables individuals to make informed choices and protects them from misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and exploitation.
“When a distributor, dealer, trader, seller, and shop owner are transparent about their details, it fosters a fair and competitive market where consumers can make informed choices,” the petition states.
The PIL argues that when such information is hidden or inaccessible, consumers are left powerless in the face of defective goods, poor services, or fraudulent practices. Making seller information easily visible and verifiable, the petition contends, would also strengthen the mechanisms of accountability and legal recourse through consumer forums.
Court Issues Notice, Matter To Be Heard Further
Recognizing the broader implications of the petition for consumer rights and fair market practices, the bench agreed to hear the matter and has sought responses from both central and state governments, as well as the Law Commission.
The matter will now proceed with responses and deliberation on whether such disclosures should be legally mandated to enhance consumer empowerment and transparency in trade practices.
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