The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined ride-hailing platform Rapido ₹10 lakh for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The authority has also directed the company to reimburse customers who were denied the promised benefit under its “Auto in 5 minutes or Get ₹50” campaign.
The investigation found that the advertisements were false and created a misleading impression for consumers. The supposed ₹50 benefit was not actual currency but Rapido coins, usable only for bike rides and expiring within seven days. Disclaimers were printed in tiny, unreadable fonts, while the terms shifted responsibility to individual drivers instead of Rapido itself. Officials said this reduced the real value of the offer and forced customers to spend more on the platform within a short time.
Complaints against Rapido have sharply increased, with 1,224 cases reported on the National Consumer Helpline between June 2024 and July 2025, compared to 575 complaints in the previous 14-month period. Many complaints were related to non-refunds, overcharging and service deficiencies, most of which remained unresolved despite being flagged to the company.
Rapido, which operates in more than 120 cities, ran the misleading campaign for about 548 days in multiple regional languages. The CCPA has now ordered the company to immediately withdraw the advertisements.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry reminded companies that disclaimers cannot contradict main claims or hide material information under the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements 2022. It also urged consumers to remain cautious about advertisements offering guaranteed or assured benefits without clear terms. Consumers facing misleading ads can contact the National Consumer Helpline by dialling 1915 or through the NCH app and website.
