DIGITAL CONSUMERISM, PROTECTION AND PREDATORY PRICING IN INDIA

 With globalization followed the rise of digital platforms and consumer services in India. In the olden times, a consumer would not fiercely put its bet on online products but was made simpler through regulatory assurance and consumer protection in India. The rise in Digital consumerism created space for relevant markets to foster the Indian economy. As prescribed by the UNTCAD model, India adopted its competition law in the year 2002. And set up Competition Commission of India a year later which replaced the MRTP Act. The Act[1] seeks to ensure fair competition in market and aims to curb the negative aspects through its regulatory authority. CCI[2] along with Consumer protection forums at district[3], state & national level in turn helped the Indian consumers. It ensured timely refunds and guaranteed its  consumer fair prices. And made the consumer ready to take the digital leap in making its nation a digital economy.

 

Escalation

While tracing this digital growth, we find that it was majorly achieved through internet connectivity, speed and easy accessibility through the Telecom service providers. As these providers play a significant role in Digital India. And the growth is quite evident in both Public and Private sectors.

The online retailers opened its door to various industries like, Food, Pharmaceutical, Fashion & especially Beauty industry which earlier seemed impossible. As sale and purchase of online beauty products by female consumers was a big NO. One such retailer that made this beauty leap in India is NYKKA. The Company was launched in India in the year 2012,  and has grown by about 350% and currently running at about 600 crore run rate. The escalation could only be explained through relevant market, geographic & product dimensions based on locations of customers.  Being an online retailer NYKAA realised the gap and joined hands with various international luxury brands to cater the needs of its consumers. It also owes it success to the digital revolution that diminished the demand-supply gap.

Similarly big online retailers like Amazon established itself as a dominant player in the Indian market soon after its launch in 2012. While, Amazon [4] was trying to escape the antitrust scrutiny through the US Antitrust authorities, Amazon.in made its way to the homes of Indian consumers through one day prime delivery and low prices.

 



[1]The Competition Act, 2002

[2]The Competition Act, 2002, S-7

[3]The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, S-28

[4]Amazon’s Antitrust Paradox by Lina Khan , Yale Law Journal, VOLUME126; 2016-2017NUMBER3JANUARY 2017564-907

 

 

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