Business StudiesConsumer Protection

Which of the following is NOT an example of an unfair trade practice…

Which of the following is NOT an example of an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → A dealer refuses to give a gas connection unless the buyer also buys a stove from him.

Option (1) A soap maker falsely claims that its soap contains sandal oil. — An unfair trade practice. The maker falsely represents the composition of the soap to sell it.

Option (2) A packet of rice marked 1 kg is sold, though it holds only 900 g. — An unfair trade practice. The packet falsely represents the quantity of rice it holds.

Option (3) A dealer sells an old model of a phone, falsely calling it the latest model. — An unfair trade practice. The dealer falsely represents the model of the phone to sell it.

Option (4) A dealer refuses to give a gas connection unless the buyer also buys a stove from him. — Not an unfair trade practice. Nothing about the gas connection or the stove is falsely represented. The dealer puts a condition on the supply of the connection, so the buyer bears an unjustified cost for a stove he may not want. This is a restrictive trade practice.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Terms & Definitions … 3. Spurious goods: Goods that are falsely claimed to be genuine.
4. Unfair trade practice: A trade practice for the purpose of promoting sale, use or supply of any goods or service falsely represents its quality, standard, quantity, composition, style or model.
5. Restrictive trade practice: A trade practice which manipulates price or affect the flow of supplies in the market relating to goods and services in such a manner that an unjustified cost is imposed on the consumer.”