The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) under the Department of Consumer Affairs on Friday said it sent notices to two e-commerce entities, including Flipkart and Meesho for gross violations relating to the sale of acid reported on their platforms.

The consumer interest watchdog has directed the ecommerce players to furnish detailed responses within the next seven days.

CCPA in its notice has questioned the easy and unregulated availability of such acids on these ecommerce platforms. It said the availability of hazardous acids in such an accessible manner can be dangerous and unsafe for consumers and the public at large.

“In light of a recent unfortunate incident of acid attack on a 17-year-old in Delhi whereby media reports have highlighted that the alleged offenders had purchased the said acid from Flipkart, it has been directed by CCPA to submit a detailed response, along with necessary supporting documents within 7 days addressing the concern of such availability of acids on its e-platform,” said CCPA in a statement.

The consumer body on a suo moto examination of online sale of corrosive acids came across Meesho and found it to be selling such acids in violation of directions of the Supreme Court as well as the Advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Any non-compliance by these e-commerce entities with the directions of CCPA’s notices will be strictly dealt with as per the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” CCPA said.