MARCH 3: In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified market inspections across various districts under the supervision of Controller Legal Metrology, Anuradha Gupta. The department’s initiative aims to ensure compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and other relevant regulations to protect consumer rights and maintain fair trade practices.
Enforcement teams from the Legal Metrology Department have been conducting inspections in multiple districts, including Jammu, Doda, Rajouri, Srinagar, Kulgam, and Bandipora. These inspections are part of a larger effort to monitor market activities and curb malpractices during the upcoming fasting period.
In Doda, a joint inspection was carried out in coordination with the district administration, focusing on approximately 40 traders. The inspections aimed to ensure that traders were following the regulations set out by the Legal Metrology Act. In Srinagar, LMD teams carried out inspections in Batmalloo and Tengpora areas, where they imposed penalties totaling ₹6,000 on the spot for various violations. Similarly, in Rajouri, inspections were carried out at various shops, including meat and poultry outlets, in collaboration with the district administration. One case was registered, and a composition sum of ₹1,000 was imposed.
In Jammu, the enforcement teams compounded six cases, collecting a total fine of ₹8,000. Additionally, in Kulgam, a comprehensive market inspection drive led to the registration of four cases against erring traders. The department collected a composition sum of ₹6,500 from the violators. In Bandipora, three cases were booked, and a composition sum of ₹1,500 was collected from the offenders.
Controller Legal Metrology Anuradha Gupta reiterated the department’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair trade practices, especially during Ramadan. She emphasized that traders must comply with the Legal Metrology Act and related regulations when selling essential commodities. Gupta further clarified that the department’s market inspections would continue throughout the month to prevent any malpractices and protect the interests of consumers.
The Legal Metrology Department’s increased vigilance aims to ensure that all traders follow established guidelines, ensuring fair prices and the accurate measurement of goods sold, particularly as demand for essential items rises during Ramadan. The department plans to carry out further inspections in the coming days to maintain transparency in the marketplace and protect consumers from exploitation.
 of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified market inspections across various districts under the supervision of Controller Legal Metrology, Anuradha Gupta. The department’s initiative aims to ensure compliance with the Legal Metrology Act){kind=link}