1,201 shops found to be violating norms

In view of the ongoing Ganesh festival, state legal metrology departments inspected shops and released data on Sunday which reveals 1,201 establishments to be in violation of norms on weights, measures and overpricing.

The Legal Metrology Organisation (LMO) conducted raids on departmental stores and shops across Maharashtra in a bid to curb the menace of overcharging.

Cases have been registered against malpractices, including overcharging items widely used in the Ganesh festival such as decorative lights, kaju modak, sweets, etc.

A total of 1,201 shops were reviewed and cases registered. Of the cases, 305 involved selling packaged commodities at prices higher than the MRP, 17 involved smudging the MRP, while 53 involved short-weighing of sweets.

Hundred and eighty four cases involved irregular stamping of weights and measures.

According to controller of LMO, Amitabh Gupta, they had received complaints that products were being overcharged at known supermarkets, department stores and some retailers across the state.

“Following this, a special drive was conducted across the state last week and 1,201 cases were made, including overcharging and tampering of price tags on products. Such offences attract a fine of Rs 2,000 as per the Legal Metrology Act,” he said.