The Department of Consumer Affairs has launched a detailed investigation into complaints against e-commerce platforms that levy additional charges for opting for cash-on-delivery (COD) payments.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, in a recent tweet, described such practices as 'dark patterns' that mislead and exploit consumers, promising strict action against violators to protect consumer rights and promote transparency in India’s booming e-commerce sector.

The issue came to light after several consumers reported being charged extra fees when selecting the COD option instead of prepaid methods.

One X user highlighted his experience with a popular e-commerce firm where he was billed Rs 226 under ambiguous heads such as “offer handling fee,” “payment handling fee,” and “protect promise fee.” Th

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