Sri Vijaya Puram, July 3: In a significant crackdown on unfair trade practices, the Legal Metrology Wing of the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs launched a surprise inspection on June 28, 2025, targeting major fish markets in Sri Vijaya Puram. The early morning operation revealed extensive malpractice, with numerous vendors found using tampered or unverified weights, aimed at shortchanging unsuspecting consumers.
The enforcement team covered the key markets of Junglighat, Mohanpura, and Dignabad, along with several other prominent trading points within the municipal limits. During the inspections, the team found widespread violations of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. A total of 15 vendors were caught using iron weights that were either underweight or had not been officially verified or stamped by regulatory authorities.
As part of the enforcement action, the officers seized weighing scales and weights from the offending stalls. These items are now being held as evidence for legal proceedings that are currently underway. According to officials, the use of such tampered equipment directly contravenes the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules and is considered a punishable offence under the law.
Officials underscored that the use of underweight measures violates not only legal provisions but also ethical standards of trade. Consumers, particularly daily wage earners and lower-income households, who rely heavily on fresh produce from local markets, are the most affected. The issue raises broader concerns about regulatory compliance, vendor accountability, and consumer rights protection in traditional wet markets.
The department noted that despite repeated advisories and awareness programmes conducted for traders, non-compliance continues to surface. Vendors are required to ensure their weighing instruments are duly verified, calibrated, and stamped by the Legal Metrology Wing at scheduled intervals. Failure to adhere to this can attract penalties, confiscation of equipment, and, in repeated cases, even cancellation of trade licenses.
In the wake of the recent findings, the department has issued a renewed advisory to all fish vendors and other market traders to ensure their weights and measures meet legal standards. A window for voluntary verification will be provided, after which more stringent action will be taken against defaulters.
This drive, officials said, is part of a broader initiative to ensure consumer protection through the enforcement of trade standards. Regular inspections will now be intensified and extended to other market segments, including vegetable and general provisions, where similar complaints have previously been received.
Consumers have been urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicion of malpractice. Complaints can be made in writing or through the department’s toll-free number, 18003453197. Reports will be kept confidential, and the department has assured timely action in response.
In addition to enforcement, the department plans to hold orientation sessions for market traders to improve awareness on the consequences of legal violations. Special camps for on-the-spot verification and stamping of weights are also being proposed to encourage compliance.
The Legal Metrology Wing plays a critical role in ensuring that trade practices across the Union Territory remain fair, transparent, and legally sound. While the recent raids have exposed serious gaps in compliance, they also signal the administration’s resolve to protect consumer interests and uphold market integrity.
