Metrology department books 134 errant establishments

In searches conducted across 345 establishments, the legal metrology department (LMD) booked 134 for violations including selling products at prices higher than the maximum retail price (MRP) and printing more than one MRP on identically packaged products such as cold drinks and bottled water, among others.

Upon receiving several complaints regarding this issue, LMD undertook a special drive where a total 345 establishments were inspected for violations. Of the 345, 134 establishments were booked for violation; of which 24 were booked for dual MRPs on identical products, 65 for selling at prices higher than the MRP, and 45 for other violations.

Instances of dual MRPs included 1 litre bottled water being sold for MRP Rs 50 instead of MRP Rs 20; one litre of another bottled water brand being sold at MRP Rs 40 instead of MRP Rs 20; a 250ml energy drink being sold for MRP Rs 145 instead of MRP Rs 110; etc.

Controller, LMD, Amitabh Gupta, said, “This is utter violation of rules. We had been receiving several complaints of double pricing and acting on that, we were able to detect several irregularities. Our work is still going on.”