Five rules matter most here, each read at its source on 28 October 2026. Your lawyer has the final word.
Sizes and price on the listing. A 2022 amendment to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules (G.S.R. 648(E), in force from 1 January 2023) covers garments sold loose, where the buyer can inspect them. Each must show the maker's, marketer's or brand owner's name and address, and a consumer-care email and phone number. It must also show sizes such as S, M, L and XL (extra large) in cm or m, and the maximum retail price (MRP) with all taxes. Sold online, the same details go on the website.
Returns and the price break-up. The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 cover single brand retailers that sell their own stock. Rule 7(1) asks them to show return, refund and exchange terms, the cost of return shipping, and the total price as one figure with a break-up of charges. Rule 7(4) bars refusing to take back or refund goods that are defective, late or not as advertised. So a colour that differs from your photos is not a return you can refuse.
Sale prices. From 1 January 2027, a price cut must show the prior price beside the reduced price. The prior price is the lowest price in the 30 days before the announcement. So a 'was ₹3,999' tag on a lehenga works only if ₹3,999 was that lowest price.
Limited stock. The CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) lists false urgency as a dark pattern, including saying stock is more limited than it is. The 2026 amendment tells every e-commerce entity to follow those guidelines. So 'only 40 pieces' must be true.
Gifted outfits. ASCI (the Advertising Standards Council of India) counts free products, even unrequested ones, as a material connection. A creator who mentions a style you sent needs a label that is upfront and easy to see. Brand and creator are both responsible.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Your lawyer checks each page and claim before it goes live.