Stricter penalties to deter retailers’ malpractices
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The Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved amendments to the Delhi Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011. These changes aim to deter malpractices by retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers through stricter penalties and align Delhi’s regulations with the Central Government's Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, Raj Niwas officials said on Monday.Officials said, “The approved amendments include substantial increases in penalties for the use and manufacture of non-standard weights and measures. For instance, the penalty for using non-standard weights or measures will now range from Rs 5,000 for retailers to Rs 50,000 for the petroleum industry, while manufacturers of non-standard weights or measures will face fines up to Rs 1,00,000.”
These amendments also bring changes to the compounding fees for specific offences under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, with the goal of ensuring uniformity across states.
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The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution had earlier advised state governments to align their enforcement rules with draft model guidelines for enhancing compounding fees.
“These changes are a strategic move to deter violations and foster a transparent and consumer-friendly marketplace,” the official added.
Additionally, the move aligns with broader efforts by the Central Government to harmonise consumer protection laws across the country, they said.
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The enhancements to penalties and compounding fees not only strengthen safeguards for consumers but also contribute in creating a level playing field for businesses, fostering economic growth in the region, officials added.
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