Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 September 2023
The Directorate of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has issued a stern warning to private cruise operators offering services between Port Blair and Swaraj/Shaheed Dweep for selling packaged commodities to passengers at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the items. This practice has raised concerns and is deemed a blatant violation of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rule, 2011, framed under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
According to these regulations, no retail dealer or individual is permitted to sell any commodity in a packaged form at a price surpassing the designated retail sale price. The act of charging more than the MRP on packaged goods is a severe breach of the rules enacted under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Additionally, it is prohibited to have dual pricing for identical commodities, where pre-packaged items, identical in all aspects, display different MRPs.
As a result, all private cruise operators, as well as traders and retailers, have been strongly advised to desist from engaging in any unfair trade practices, including dual pricing and overcharging beyond the MRP. Stringent actions will be initiated against individuals or firms found involved in unfair trade practices, in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
The Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has been unwavering in its commitment to protecting consumers’ interests. Consumers have been urged to report any instances of malpractice by individuals, shops, or establishments to the Department via the Toll-Free Number 1800-345-3197 or Telephone Number 03192-230337. The identity of complainants will be kept confidential.