The High Court yesterday issued a rule asking authorities to explain in four weeks why they should not be directed to refund the money halted at the payment gateways that customers paid for purchasing products from e-commerce organisations. The HC asked respondents to show causes as to why their failure, inaction should not be declared illegal.

The commerce secretary, BB governor, GM of payment system department and director of WTO cell under commerce ministry, different mobile financial services and payment gateways were made respondents to the rule.