The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken strict action against a coaching institute based in Pune, named Iqra IAS, by imposing a fine of Rs 1 Lakh. The fine was imposed due to the institute’s engagement in misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, which ultimately deceived the public.
The coaching institute, Iqra IAS, came under scrutiny for publishing misleading information on its website, claiming that the top rank holders of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2015 and 2017 were its students. However, upon investigation, it was revealed that none of these high-achieving students had actually studied at Iqra IAS.
Furthermore, the institute went a step further by asserting that it became the top UPSC coaching institute in Pune within just one year, featuring the best faculty from across the nation. This claim was found to be exaggerated and unsubstantiated by the authorities.
A significant aspect of the misleading practices was the institute’s use of endorsements from successful UPSC exam candidates. The names of top performers such as Tina Dabi (AIR 1), Athar Amir Ul Safi Khan (AIR 2), Himanshu Kaushik (AIR 77), and Saifin (AIR 570) were showcased on Iqra IAS Institute’s website. However, the CCPA found that these endorsements were deceptive since the institute was established in 2018, while the mentioned candidates had cleared their exams in 2015 and 2017. This manipulation created a false impression among consumers that the institute was responsible for the achievements of these candidates.
In its official order, the CCPA emphasized, “It is imperative to mention that IQRA IAS Institute by making such exaggerated claims not only falsely represented its service by deliberately concealing important information but also conveyed express and implied representation to mislead the class of consumers for deceptively promoting their services. On the other hand, the IQRA IAS Institute nowhere showcased any disclaimer and failed to substantiate other claims made by them.”
In response to the CCPA’s actions, the institute, Iqra IAS, has acknowledged its wrongdoing and removed the misleading advertisement from its website.
The CCPA’s intervention serves as a reminder that businesses and institutions must adhere to ethical advertising practices and provide accurate information to consumers, ensuring transparency and fair representation of their services.
