KOCHI: The Central Zone of Legal Metrology Department (LMD) on Tuesday registered 27 cases against supermarkets in Ernakulam, Palakkad, Thrissur and Idukki districts for overcharging, selling products without proper descriptions and irregularities in the weight of the products.
The inspection was carried out following a tip-off regarding irregularities in the sale of products and violation of norms. LMD deputy controller (Central Zone) R Rammohan said the checking which began in the morning and continued till evening.
“Squads were formed in each districts for the inspection. Some supermarkets having national presence were also caught violating norms prescribed under the Legal Metrology Act and Packaged Commodity Rules. One such supermarket was found selling products in which proper weight was not mentioned,” Rammohan said. “Besides, several supermarkets were found selling products without proper description. Customers were also being overcharged for beauty products,” he said. Of the total 27 cases, 15 were registered in Thrissur. In Ernakulam and Palakkad, five cases each were registered, while two cases were registered in Idukki.
“We will slap fine on the supermarkets caught flouting norms. If the offences are repeated, legal steps will be initiated,” Rammohan said. The fine was charged for offences under Packaged Commodity Rules Section 6, 18(2), 18(5) and Section 36(1) of the Legal Metrology Act. LMD will conduct similar drives in the coming days so that all the supermarkets are checked and any irregularity is prevented.