Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Gives States Six Weeks on Consumer Right-to-Know Plea
When you buy a toy, don't you want to know who made it and whether it is safe?
Some grown-ups in India asked the country's highest court to make sure shoppers can get that information.
They call this the 'right to know.'
The court agreed to listen and told all the states and union territories to send their answers within six weeks.
The request says every shop should put a board outside showing the seller's name, address and phone number.
That way, you know who to talk to if a product is broken or a seller cheats you.
It also helps stop dishonest sellers from tricking people and then disappearing.
The judges heard the case in New Delhi and will meet again after three months.
If the court says yes, shopping could become safer and fairer for everyone.
The Supreme Court granted states and Union Territories six weeks to file responses to a petition seeking consumers' 'right to know'.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard the petition filed by petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.
The petition seeks consumers' right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services.
Only Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Assam and Andaman and Nicobar Islands have filed responses so far, the court was told.
The plea also demands that distributors, traders and shop owners display registration details in bold letters on boards visible to the public.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India (bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta), petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, and respondent states and Union Territories.
- What
- The court directed states and Union Territories to respond within six weeks to a petition seeking recognition of consumers' 'right to know' about product quality, purity, certification and details of distributors and sellers.
- When
- Wednesday, August 5, 2026; the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the petition in July 2025, and the next hearing is scheduled after three months.
- Where
- The Supreme Court of India, New Delhi.
- Why
- To empower consumers to make informed choices and protect themselves from unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
- Petitioner
- Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay
- Hearing date
- August 5, 2026
- Response deadline
- Six weeks
- Respondents who filed responses
- Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Assam and Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Next hearing
- After three months
- Key demand
- Mandatory display of registration details in bold letters at shop entrances