CCPA fines Hogar Technologies ₹1 lakh over walkie-talkie ads; total penalties on 12 entities reach ₹58 lakh
On 25 October 2026, the Central Consumer Protection Authority said it had fined Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP ₹1 lakh for walkie-talkie ads that hid operating frequencies and licensing needs, taking its penalties on 12 entities to ₹58 lakh.
Summary
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP for misleading advertisements of walkie-talkies, as announced on 25 October 2026. The listings did not disclose operating frequencies, licensing requirements or regulatory approvals. Under 2018 licence-exemption rules, only personal mobile radios working in the 446.0–446.2 MHz band can be used without a licence. The CCPA, headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, acted under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019; it has flagged over 16,970 non-compliant listings, issued notices to 13 e-commerce entities and passed final orders against 12 entities with cumulative penalties of ₹58 lakh.
Key facts
- Authority
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Penalty
- ₹1 lakh on Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP
- Violation
- Walkie-talkie ads without frequency and licensing details
- Licence-free band
- 446.0–446.2 MHz for personal mobile radios (2018 exemption rules)
- Law
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- CCPA head
- Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare
- Wider drive
- 16,970+ non-compliant listings; notices to 13 e-commerce entities
- Final orders
- 12 entities; cumulative penalty ₹58 lakh
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under India's 2018 licence-exemption rules cited by the CCPA in October 2026, personal mobile radios (walkie-talkies) can be used without a licence in which frequency band?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 446.0–446.2 MHz
The Central Consumer Protection Authority, which penalised sellers of walkie-talkies in October 2026, was set up under which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Consumer Protection Act, 2019