Amazon on Monday faced the ire of a section of Indian social media users over merchandising some products.
Days before India’s 73rd Republic Day, e-commerce giant Amazon is facing flask on Twitter over selling products with the imprint of the Indian National Flag.
Indian Twitter users today shared their displeasure using the hashtag Amazon_Insults_National_Flag, which has been trending on social media.
Users were outraged after discovering that Amazon India is selling products such as face masks, T-shirts, and keychains and other clothes with the tri-colour imprint.
They pointed out that using the flag on products such as chocolate wrappers, face masks, ceramic mugs, keychains and kids clothing is against the flag code of India, 2002.
According to the code, “The Flag shall not be used as a portion of a costume or uniform of any description. It shall not be embroidered or printed upon cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or boxes.” Some users said this was a marketing tool used by Amazon to increase sales. It may be noted that Amazon had conducted a Republic Day sale last week.
This is not the first time that Amazon is facing such an allegation. In 2019, the company was called out for selling toilet seat covers, and doormats with prints of Hindu religious figures.