Now, help against cheating shopkeepers just a call away

Updated on: 27 May,2009 07:32 AM IST |
Kaumudi Gurjar |

Legal metrology department launches helpline so that customers can register complaints against fraudulent sellers on phone

Legal metrology department launches helpline so that customers can register complaints against fraudulent sellers on phone

The next time a shopkeeper levies a "cooling charge" on that soft drink, here's how you can turn the heat on him.

The Legal Metrology Department of Pune has launched a helpline number for hapless customers who are charged more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for their soft drink or ice cream with the excuse that chilling the product costs the shopkeeper extra.

According to the Legal Metrology Department, hotels and shopkeepers who levy "cooling charges" on beverages are violating the MRP Act. L M Musale, assistant controller of legal metrology, said, "Sale of anything above theu00a0 MRP is a crime as per Packaged Commodities Rules, 1977. If a complaint is registered, action will be taken against the law evaders."

He added, "A fine of up to Rs 5,000 will be slapped against them. If two partners own the firm, then the fine amount will be doubled. The fine amount will increase if there are more owners."

Recently, the department took action against the Mutkangan restaurant on the Pune-Satara Highway under the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977, when a complaint was filed against the restaurant for levying cooling charges on ice cream.

V A Gupta, a young professional, told MiD-DAY that the helpline number is a welcome move. "I have come across many shopkeepers who charge extra while selling soft drinks, just for personal gain. It is illegal and should be stopped," he said.

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