Given the rapid growth and emerging trend of e-commerce have changed consumer preferences to buy online, this study analyzes the current Indian legal framework that protects online consumers' interests. A thorough analysis of the two newly enacted laws, i.e., the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 and literature review support analysis of 290 online consumers answering the research questions and achieving research objectives. The significant findings are that a secure and reliable system is essential for e-business firms to work successfully; cash on delivery is the priority option for online shopping; website information and effective customer care services build a customer's trust. The new regulations are arguably strong enough to protect and safeguard online consumers' rights and boost India's e-commerce growth. Besides factors such as security, privacy, warranty, customer service, and website information, laws governing consumer rights protection in e-commerce influence customers' trust. Growing e-commerce looks promising with a robust legal framework and consumer protection measures. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on e-commerce and consumer rights protection by elucidating the key factors that affect customer trust and loyalty and offering an informative perspective on e-consumer protection in the Indian context with broader implications. Keywords Consumer protection • E-Commerce • Online protection Study BackgroundThe study context, which discusses two key aspects, namely the rationale for consumer protection in e-commerce and its growth, is presented hereunder: The Rationale for Consumer Protection in E-commerceConsumer protection is a burning issue in e-commerce throughout the globe. E-Commerce refers to a mechanism that mediates transactions to sell goods and services through electronic exchange. E-commerce increases productivity and widens choice through cost savings, competitiveness and a better production process organisation 1 (Vancauteren et al., 2011). According to the guidelines-1999 of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), e-commerce is online business activities-both communications, including advertising and marketing, and transactions comprising ordering, invoicing and payments (OECD, 2000). OCED-1999 guidelines recognised, among others, three essential dimensions of consumer protection in e-commerce. All consumers need to have access to e-commerce. Second, to build consumer trust/confidence in e-commerce, the continued development of transparent and effective consumer protection mechanisms is required to check fraudulent, misleading, and unfair practices online. Third, all stakeholders-government, businesses, consumers, and their representatives-must pay close attention to creating effective redress systems. These guidelines are primarily for cross-border transactions (OECD, 2000).Considering the technological advances, internet penetration, massive use of smartphones and social media penetration led e-co...

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This paper analyzes the factors responsible for the efficacy of resolving insolvency issues, influencing the ease of doing business (EoDB) ranking in the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations' context, focusing on India. Besides, the study examines the legal framework and judicial decisions on insolvency resolution that boost stakeholders' confidence and improve the business environment. We applied descriptive statistics, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) to analyze and interpret the findings. The key results show that insolvency resolution has been one of the priorities of the governments of Brazil, Russia, and China for almost a decade. Resolving insolvency is the prime factor responsible for India's rank improvement, whereas it is not a priority for South Africa. The AHP calculations prove the Indian government's commitment to insolvency resolution, syncing with experts' opinions. Future EoDB studies concerning other nations may employ the AHP techniques, bringing new results.. The findings add value to the knowledge base on insolvency resolution, contributing to the EoDB ranking vis-a-vis the business environment and providing a broader implication for further research.

The study combining with elements of descriptive and explanatory research based on 180 respondents reports on what corporate social responsibility (CSR) is to the consumers, and the value they derive from it. Research finds that consumers clearly derive social, emotional and functional value from CSR. The research is inconclusive, and it is arguable whether CSR policy has any influence on their buying decision. However, consumers report another type of value, i.e., egocentric value that needs to be considered in future research for validation.

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the essential features, merits and drawbacks of the recently enacted Indian Real Estate Act, 2016, an economic reform measure pertaining to the real estate sector (RES). This paper analyses the impact of the Act and Union Budget 2016 on the inflow of foreign d irect investment (FDI) in India, and examines its ramifications on the world economy. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on secondary data sources, including consumer forum reports, investigative reports from national agencies, court decisions, government websites, real estate companies and industry associations. A sample survey on the implications of the Act has been conducted using Facebook and and through personal interaction with various stakeholders. Findings The Indian RES was unregulated prior to the passage of the Act, which has several provisions aimed at protecting the interest of consumers by tightening fraudulent practices of promoters/developers. Stakeholders are hopeful, but there is some apprehension. The government’s budgetary and fiscal support for infrastructure development has had an impact on the FDI inflow. Practical implications The Act is new, so there is not enough data to judge its real impact on the economy. However, it has started showing evidence of impact through a recent judgment by the Supreme Court of India punishing a promoter. Originality/value Regulating the Indian RES is a challenging task, but the new regulations are likely to provide confidence to foreign investors who may see India as a safety net for investment. This paper is timely and may help move things in this direction.