Action Taken Against 29 Business Units in Mehsana for Violations

Synopsis

On March 10, the Gujarat government announced actions against 29 business units in Mehsana for non-registration with the Legal Metrology Department. Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya highlighted penalties totaling Rs 5,28,500, emphasizing the mandatory registration under the Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, to ensure compliance and protect consumer interests.

Key Takeaways

29 business units penalized in Mehsana.
Total fines collected reached Rs 5,28,500.
Mandatory registration under Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011.
Online registration available through Investor Facilitation Portal.
Ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with measurement laws.

Gandhinagar, March 10 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has initiated actions against 29 business units in Mehsana district for not registering under the Legal Metrology Department as mandated by the Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011.

During a session in the Gujarat Assembly, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya revealed that legal proceedings were commenced against these entities, leading to a total settlement fee collection of Rs 5,28,500.

In response to a query regarding mandatory registration for manufacturers and packagers of various goods, the minister emphasized that under Rule 27 of the Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, it is essential for all such businesses to register.

He elaborated that business owners can apply for registration online via the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP) by paying the necessary fee and acquiring a digital registration certificate. In recent years, Gujarat has seen multiple enforcement actions by the Legal Metrology Department to uphold compliance with measurement and packaging regulations.

In January 2022, the department imposed fines on 40 medical stores statewide, amassing a total fine of Rs 5 lakh. These stores were penalized for overcharging customers on essential medical supplies like masks, sanitizers, oximeters, and thermometers and for breaching packaging standards.

More recently, in February 2025, a statewide operation targeted 183 highway hotels for violations of legal metrology norms. The inspections uncovered issues such as charging above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for packaged items and cold beverages, supplying less than the specified quantity, and using unverified or unstamped electronic weighing scales. These infractions resulted in fines totaling around Rs 4.63 lakh.

In July 2024, a special initiative focused on fuel stations across the state.

About 25 petrol pumps were discovered manipulating dispensing units, delivering less fuel than indicated. These businesses faced penalties of Rs 8.2 lakh, and their licenses were temporarily suspended pending corrections. Furthermore, in October 2024, the department inspected jewelry outlets during the festive season. Approximately 15 percent of the checked stores used non-calibrated weighing machines, leading to fines of Rs 3.5 lakh.

These ongoing enforcement efforts demonstrate the department's commitment to ensuring equitable trade practices and protecting consumer interests in Gujarat.