PIL in Supreme Court Seeks Mandatory Display of Seller Details to Protect Consumer Rights

The PIL calls for a declaration that every consumer has the right to know, in addition to product quality, quantity, potency, and certification, the real name, address, registration/license number, and contact information of the seller, shopkeeper, or trader, whether offline or online. The plea draws support from Sections 2(6), 2(9), 2(10), and 2(11) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Upadhyay also seeks a direction to the Centre and State Governments to ensure that all shops, eateries, dealers, and sellers display such details at the entrance in bold, legible letters on a visible display board.

“Right to Know” is a Consumer’s Fundamental Right, says PIL

The PIL asserts that the “right to know” is rooted in Article 19(1)(a) and forms an essential part of the right to make informed decisions. “Every consumer has the right to access information about the product, the service, and the identity of the seller before making a transaction,” the petition states.

Highlighting the importance of this right, the plea argues that access to seller details is essential for:

1. Informed decision-making: Consumers must be able to assess a seller's credibility before purchase.

2. Redressal of grievances: Contact details are necessary to file complaints under the Consumer Protection Act.

3. Fraud prevention: Anonymous or deceptive sellers pose serious risks, especially in food and health-related sectors.

4. Fair competition: Transparency fosters accountability in the marketplace.

Triggered by Highway Experience, PIL Highlights Nationwide Problem

The petitioner states that the cause of action arose on July 9, 2025, during a journey to Haridwar for Guru Purnima, when he observed that several motels, restaurants, and eateries along the Delhi-Haridwar highway lacked display boards with essential business details.

According to Upadhyay, this is not an isolated issue, but a nationwide pattern that severely affects consumers' ability to seek redressal against poor service, fraud, overpricing, or food safety violations.

The petition also draws attention to violations of Article 21 (Right to Life), arguing that when food outlets serve adulterated or unhygienic items while posing as franchise outlets, consumers are misled and their right to health is compromised.

Citing Consumer Protection Law and Court Precedents

Upadhyay’s plea relies heavily on the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, particularly:

-Section 2(6): Right to be informed about quality, quantity, purity, and standard of goods and services.

-Section 2(9): Right to be protected against unfair and unscrupulous practices.

-Section 2(10): Right to be heard and seek redressal.

-Section 2(11): Right to consumer awareness.

The petition further argues that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established licensing and labeling norms that are routinely violated, particularly in unregulated roadside outlets.

It also notes that online marketplaces are already obligated to collect and disclose basic seller information under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, and similar safeguards must apply offline.

Reliefs Sought

The PIL prays for the following:-

1. A declaration affirming that consumers have the right to know the identity and contact details of sellers;

2. A direction to the Centre and States to mandate the public display of such details at all retail points;

3. Any other directions the Court may deem necessary to protect consumer rights.

The matter is listed for hearing on July 21, before the Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.