Govt Issues Notice to Amazon, Flipkart Over Sale of Pakistani Flags and Merchandise

The Government of India has taken stern action against leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon India and Flipkart, after the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued formal notices regarding the sale of Pakistani flags and associated merchandise on their websites.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi described the listings as “insensitive” and a violation of national sentiment, instructing all platforms involved to immediately remove the objectionable items.

“The CCPA has issued notices to @amazonIN, @Flipkart, @UbuyIndia, @Etsy, The Flag Company, and The Flag Corporation over the sale of Pakistani flags and related merchandise. Such insensitivity will not be tolerated. E-commerce platforms are hereby directed to immediately remove all such content and adhere to national laws,” Joshi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Triggered by Complaints from Traders' Body

The move comes in response to a letter sent by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi, raising objections to the open sale of items such as Pakistani flags, logo-printed mugs, and T-shirts on major online platforms.

BC Bhartia, National President of CAIT, wrote:

“I write to express my deep concern over a matter that strikes at the very core of our national sentiment and sovereignty. It has come to light that Pakistani flags and merchandise are being openly sold on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.”

Bhartia further emphasized that these sales come at a sensitive time, with India’s armed forces actively engaged in Operation Sindoor, a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

“Such actions by e-commerce platforms reflect a blatant disregard for the dignity of our armed forces, the sovereignty of India, and the emotions of every patriotic Indian citizen,” the CAIT letter stated.

Concerns Over National Unity

The letter described the incident as more than just an oversight, calling it a serious issue that undermines national unity and security. It urged the government to take swift and decisive action against platforms enabling such sales.

The Ministry has reiterated that e-commerce companies must comply with Indian laws and respect national sentiments, especially at a time of heightened tension between India and Pakistan.