India's Consumer Authority Fines Ola Rs 10 Lakh Over Advance Tip Prompts

India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority has fined ANI Technologies, which operates Ola, Rs 10 lakh for misleading consumers with prompts to pay an additional amount to improve their chances of getting a faster ride. The authority directed Ola to stop displaying prompts, preset amounts and other interface elements that pressure users to pay above the upfront fare before completing a journey. The action followed a complaint received in May 2025 alleging that Ola’s app encouraged customers to tip in advance because bookings might be delayed or drivers might not accept them. The authority imposed a similar Rs 10 lakh penalty on Rapido in September and ordered it to stop the practice.