Srinagar, Mar 29: In a significant step towards safeguarding consumer rights, the Legal Metrology Department conducted surprise inspections across multiple retail outlets in Srinagar on Saturday, seizing a substantial quantity of underweight cooking oil. The move comes after multiple consumer complaints regarding discrepancies in the net weight of packaged edible oil.
Acting on these complaints, teams from the department visited several retail stores and supermarkets, carrying out thorough checks on various packaged edible oil brands. The inspections revealed that several brands of packaged cooking oil were being sold with a net weight lower than what was declared on their packaging — a clear violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.
During one such inspection in the Batmalloo area, officials discovered that tins of edible oil from a major manufacturer were underweight. Although the tins were labeled as containing 15 liters of oil, precise measurements using the department’s standard equipment showed a shortage of 375 milliliters per tin. As a result, authorities registered a case against the manufacturer, and all available stock at the wholesaler’s location in Batmalloo was immediately seized.
Legal action is now being pursued under the relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act, and proceedings are underway against all individuals responsible for the violation.
Notably, the inspections were conducted in the presence of local consumers, many of whom welcomed the department’s proactive efforts in promoting fair trade practices. As part of the initiative, officials also used the opportunity to educate consumers on their rights, emphasizing the importance of verifying the weight and volume of packaged goods before purchasing.
To enhance public awareness, on-site demonstrations were held to illustrate the difference between gross weight and net weight. Officials demonstrated how consumers could verify product quantities using verified weighing scales and measuring instruments. They also urged consumers to report any discrepancies observed in packaged goods to the nearest Legal Metrology office for immediate action.
Anuradha Gupta, Controller of Legal Metrology J&K, emphasized the department’s commitment to consumer protection, stating, “Ensuring accurate weights and measures in packaged goods is crucial. Any discrepancy in declared quantities directly impacts buyers and violates legal standards.”
