The government has prohibited the sale of non-essential items by e-commerce companies through its platform during the lockdown period. Four days ago, e-commerce companies were allowed to sell mobile phones, refrigerators and stitched apparel etc., but now this exemption has been withdrawn. Nationwide shutdown is in force until May 3. Earlier, the order said that e-commerce companies will be able to sell these products from April 20.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued an order in this regard on Sunday. The consolidated revised guidelines have removed the sale of non-essential products by e-commerce companies. The order said that the provisions relating to e-commerce companies wherein their vehicles were allowed to travel with necessary permission, are being removed from the guidelines. However, the reason for reversing this order is not immediately known.