EXPLORING LAWS GOVERNING E-COMMERCE AND FRAUD: A CRITICAL LEGAL AND EMPIRICAL STUDY
AUTHOR – SATYARTH KAPOOR* & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH**
* STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LAW AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL LUCKNOW, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS
BEST CITATION – SATYARTH KAPOOR & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH, EXPLORING LAWS GOVERNING E-COMMERCE AND FRAUD: A CRITICAL LEGAL AND EMPIRICAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 205-218, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
The rapid expansion of e-commerce has transformed the way commerce is conducted in both global and Indian markets, redefining consumer behaviour and business operations through speed, convenience, and accessibility. Digital platforms have enabled seamless transactions across geographical boundaries, making online commerce an integral part of everyday life. However, this digital evolution has also given rise to a parallel increase in online fraud, cybercrime, and sophisticated forms of digital exploitation. As reliance on e-commerce continues to grow, so do concerns relating to consumer protection, data privacy, and the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks.
This research paper undertakes a comprehensive and critical examination of the legal regime governing e-commerce and fraud in India. It analyses key legislative instruments, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, to assess their scope, effectiveness, and limitations in addressing contemporary digital challenges. The study also evaluates judicial responses through an analysis of landmark as well as recent case laws, highlighting the evolving role of the judiciary in shaping digital jurisprudence.
In addition to doctrinal analysis, the research incorporates empirical insights derived from primary data collected through a structured survey. This data provides a ground-level understanding of consumer experiences, awareness levels, and responses to instances of e-commerce fraud. The findings indicate a noticeable disconnect between the availability of legal remedies and their practical accessibility, largely due to limited awareness, procedural complexities, and evolving fraud mechanisms.
The paper argues that while India has developed a relatively robust legal framework to regulate e-commerce, the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of digital fraud demands continuous legal innovation, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and proactive consumer education. It concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that not only facilitates digital growth but also ensures accountability, security, and trust within the e-commerce ecosystem.
KEY WORDS: E-commerce, Online Fraud, Cybercrime, Consumer Protection, Information Technology Act, Digital Transactions, E-Commerce Regulations, Data Protection, Cyber Law, Phishing, Payment Fraud, Legal Framework, India, Digital Economy, Consumer Awareness.