Indian states conduct consumer protection drives during festive season

Legal metrology departments in Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat have launched enforcement drives to prevent unfair trade practices during the festive season.

In Jammu and Kashmir, authorities issued 71 challans and 60 improvement notices, imposing penalties totaling Rs 3.50 lakh. Inspections targeted violations such as short delivery of goods and fuel, underweight commodities, and the use of unverified weights and measures. The department is also conducting awareness programs to encourage voluntary compliance with legal metrology laws.

In Gujarat, a two-day statewide inspection of approximately 455 establishments, including sweet shops and dry fruit stores, resulted in cases against 251 businesses. The drive collected approximately Rs 5.42 lakh in compounding fees. Violations identified included supplying less than the stated weight, failing to re-verify weighing scales, and lacking mandatory packer registrations.