Flipkart’s COD charges ignite consumer fury; Govt. intervenes, calling it a ‘dark pattern’.

A Flipkart user’s COD surcharge triggered public outrage and government scrutiny over hidden e-commerce fees. Minister Pralhad Joshi flagged these as “dark patterns,” prompting calls for transparency. While companies justify COD costs, users demand honesty over manipulation pushing digital payments. The incident underscores India’s tightening consumer protection framework, where trust and transparency now outweigh discounts in shaping e-commerce credibility.