Meta challenges ₹10 lakh CCPA fine in Delhi HC over walkie-talkie listings on Facebook

Meta Platforms Inc on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging a ₹10 lakh penalty imposed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) over the alleged unauthorised listing and sale of walkie-talkies on Facebook Marketplace.

Appearing for Meta, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that Facebook is not an e-commerce platform but merely a “notice board” that allows users to post listings. He contended that, unlike online marketplaces, the platform does not facilitate transactions, charge commissions, or provide a mechanism for buying and selling goods, and therefore falls outside the ambit of e-commerce regulations.

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav listed the matter for hearing on March 25 and asked Meta to explain how the CCPA’s order could be termed as being passed “without jurisdiction” . The court also questioned why the company should not approach the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for relief.

In its petition, Meta said Facebook Marketplace is a free service intended for individuals to sell or exchange goods in a personal capacity, and that businesses and commercial sellers are not permitted on the platform. It argued that the CCPA acted beyond its powers by treating the platform as an e-commerce entity and applying rules meant for such intermediaries.

The CCPA, in its January 1, 2026 order , had held Meta in violation of the Consumer Protection Act and the IT intermediary guidelines for allowing listings of walkie-talkies without mandatory disclosures. It also directed the company to ensure that no products requiring statutory certification are listed without compliance, and to conduct periodic self-audits and publish reports.

Meta further alleged that the regulator’s interpretation could expand the scope of e-commerce rules to virtually all digital platforms, including online forums and community websites, thereby placing an undue compliance burden on individual users. It also claimed the order violated the principles of natural justice .

The action followed a suo motu probe by the CCPA, which identified over 16,970 non-compliant listings across multiple platforms and issued notices to several e-commerce entities. The case is expected to have wider implications for the regulation of digital intermediaries in India.