Government prohibits supply of Non-Essential Items through e-Commerce under Lockdown Restrictions to fight COVID-19

Ministry of Home Affairs has issued revised guidelines where in the e- commerce companies will not be allowed to sell non essential goods. Earlier, they were given the permission. E-commerce companies will be allowed to supply essential goods only.

Earlier the Government had agreed allowing the delivery of non essential items ( television, mobile phones etc) However, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order to exempt certain activities under the consolidated revised guidelines to all Ministries/Departments regarding the Nationwide lockdown to fight COVID-19. The link below will provide the revised guidelines.

(https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20order%20dt%2015.04.2020%2C%20with%20Revised%20Consolidated%20Guidelines_compressed%20%283%29.pdf),

The guidelines clearly mention that e-commerce companies will be allowed to supply essential goods. Further, vehicles used by e-commerce companies, engaged in supply of only essential goods, would be allowed to ply with necessary permissions.

In line with the above provision of consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown restrictions, Government has prohibited supply of non-essential items through e-commerce under lockdown restrictions to fight COVID-19, as also mentioned in a tweet.

The exact reason is not known for the revised guidelines.