HC directs Centre not to enforce order against Amazon

The advertising body had asked Amazon to withdraw or modify its claim that it is the largest online retail store

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Centre not to immediately enforce the Advertising Standards Council of India’s direction that e-commerce website Amazon must withdraw or modify its claim that it is the largest online retail store.

The ASCI’s December 18 order will be held back on a petition moved by Amazon.

The online retailer has contended that the ASCI does not have the authority or jurisdiction to issue such a direction, as its advertisement had appeared only in the print media. The ASCI had directed Amazon to modify its advertisement or withdraw it from all media, including print and Internet, by January 2, 2015.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru sought replies from the Centre and ASCI by January 5.

The Centre submitted that Amazon had not supplied the requisite material sought by ASCI before passing its direction.