Supreme Court Gives States Final Chance To Reply In Plea Seeking Mandatory Display Of Seller Licences At Shops, Online Stores
The Supreme Court granted States six weeks to respond in a plea seeking mandatory display of seller licences, names and contact details at shops and online storefronts
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted six weeks' time to States that have not yet filed their responses in a public interest litigation seeking mandatory disclosure of seller licences, names and contact details at the entrance of physical shops and on online storefronts to safeguard consumers' "Right to Know."
About the PIL
The petition seeks directions to make it mandatory for sellers to prominently display their licence details, names and contact information at the entrance of commercial establishments and on online marketplaces, contending that such disclosure is integral to consumers' right to know the identity and credentials of those from whom they purchase goods and services.
The Petition, filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, urges the Court to direct the Centre and State Governments to mandate the public display of essential seller information, including name, address, registration/license number, and contact details, at all retail outlets and eateries.
The Bench in July 2025 had issued notice, returnable in four weeks. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Eklavya Dwivedi had submitted, “We seek to highlight the asymmetry which exists on the ground with respect to the information that is available to the consumers, because of this lack of information about the…”
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.
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.
Case Title: Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Hearing Date: August 5, 2026