e-commerce cuts across various sectors. Therefore the provisions of various laws such as Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Information Technology Act, 2000, Competition Act, 2002, Companies Act, 2013, Consumer Protection Act, 2019 among others are attracted for regulating the sector.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India has initiated the ‘Digital India’ program with the vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy by ensuring digital access, digital inclusion, digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide.

The Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020 contain a number of provisions including those regarding protection against cancellation charges by e-Commerce companies to safeguard the interest of the consumers in e-Commerce platform.

Government of India has taken substantial initiatives for promotion of e-Commerce, including through Digital India program. The programme supplements e-Commerce by way of various initiatives for providing opportunity to small retailers, manufacturers and Self Help Groups for greater outreach. Some of the key initiatives undertaken include Unified Payment Interface, Government E-Marketplace, etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Som Parkash, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Consumer protection in e commerce safeguards users from cancellation charges and sets platform obligations under specific rules. Regulation of e commerce engages multiple legal regimes-foreign exchange, information technology, competition, corporate and consumer protection law-and places compliance obligations on platforms for transactions, payments and marketplace governance. Consumer Protection (e Commerce) Rules, 2020 are highlighted as establishing safeguards against cancellation charges and prescribing platform responsibilities. Government digital initiatives, including unified payment systems and a government e marketplace, are described as complementary measures to enhance digital access and extend market reach for small sellers within the regulated framework.