JAMMU: On the directive of Controller Legal Metrology J&K Anuradha Gupta, the field staff of Legal Metrology, Consumer Protection Unit, Jammu imposed a penalty of ₹1.50 lakh on a prominent e-commerce platform operating in the region. The step is a significant move to uphold consumer rights and ensure compliance with packaging regulations. The concerned e-commerce platform has recently expanded its services to Jammu by opening stores, including one in Jammu, primarily offering instant delivery of a wide range of products such as groceries, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, stationery, bakery items, personal care, baby care, pet care products, snacks, and flowers.
The action was initiated following an inspection by the area Inspector, under the supervision of Assistant Controller Consumer Protection Jammu. During the inspection approximately 1200 packages were seized for failing to meet mandatory labelling requirements as stipulated under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
The main violation includes non-declaration of exact net weight of pre-packaged fruits and vegetables for sale through the e-commerce platform.
Upon issuance of a show cause notice, the company acknowledged the offence and promptly submitted application for compounding of the offences which led to imposing a penalty and settling of case at department level on assurance of immediate corrective measures to align with the prescribed labelling norms.
Following the department’s intervention, the e-commerce platform has removed the non-compliant products from its physical store shelves for re-labelling and has unlisted the violating items from its online platform to prevent further consumer inconvenience.
A spokesperson from Controller Legal Metrology Department, J&K emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair trade practices. This action is part of an ongoing initiative directed by the Controller Legal Metrology Department J&K to regulate e-commerce platforms, especially in light of evolving trade dynamics and technological advancements which has necessitated enhanced enforcement strategies.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any discrepancy related to product labelling or other unfair trade practices pertaining to Legal Metrology. The Legal Metrology Department assures the public of its dedication to fostering a transparent and consumer-friendly marketplace.
