Digboi: The Assam Government’s Department of Legal Metrology conducted a surprise enforcement operation at Digboi Charali Market on Wednesday morning following allegations of violations involving weighing and measuring instruments. Seven vendors were reportedly found flouting prescribed norms, with their weighing equipment seized for further legal action.
The enforcement drive comes days after NeNow published a report on August 27 drawing attention to the alleged widespread use of outdated and non-compliant weighing equipment at the busy market and raising concerns over consumer rights.
Also read: Digboi Charali Bazar faces questions over alleged weights, measures violations
A nine-member enforcement team led by Inspector Debajit Bhattacharya reached the market in three official vehicles and carried out inspections of weighing instruments used by traders. During the operation, officials reportedly identified seven vendors whose equipment did not meet the prescribed requirements.
Following the inspection, the department completed the necessary formalities against the alleged violators and seized their weighing equipment for further proceedings.
Under legal metrology regulations, weighing and measuring instruments used in commercial transactions are required to be verified and stamped by the competent authority. Violations can attract action under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, including provisions under Sections 24 and 33. The applicable penalty would depend on the nature of the violation and the findings of the statutory proceedings.
Officials will also determine whether any of the seized instruments were tampered with or altered. However, any such violation would require specific evidence and verification before additional provisions of the law can be invoked.
The enforcement operation reportedly caused concern among some traders. An eyewitness claimed that a few businessmen left the market as the inspection intensified, allegedly to avoid legal proceedings. The claim could not be independently verified.
The action follows complaints over the alleged use of outdated, defective and non-compliant weighing equipment by some fish, chicken and mutton vendors operating in the marketplace.
The Digboi Charali Bazar Association had earlier raised the issue with the administration and concerned authorities, urging stricter enforcement of weighing standards to protect consumers.
Concerns had also been publicly voiced by social worker and former AOD employee Nasir Neog, who alleged that consumers were being cheated through improper weighing practices and called for intervention by the authorities.
The latest operation has renewed calls for the department to inspect and verify all weighing instruments operating in the market. Such a comprehensive exercise could help establish the extent of compliance and ensure that consumers receive the quantity of goods they pay for.
The seven vendors involved in Wednesday’s operation are expected to face proceedings before the Legal Metrology Department. The exact provisions applicable and any penalties will be determined based on the findings of the proceedings.
Coming soon after the August 27 report, the enforcement drive signals increased regulatory scrutiny of weighing practices at Digboi Charali Market and underscores the need for traders to comply with prescribed standards.