Legal Metrology Fines Rs 75000 to a garment manufacturer for Deceptive Labelling

Jammu : Acting swiftly on a consumer complaint, the Legal Metrology Department Jammu has taken action against a Haryana based apparel manufacturing company, for violations of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
During inspection at a prominent garment retail store at Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar Jammu, a team of Legal Metrology officers/officials from the office of Deputy Controller Consumer Protection, Jammu, led by Jaideep Singh Sambyal, detected misleading practices involving neckties marketed under the brand “ALVARO CASTAGNINO.” The product was prominently displayed as an imported item, alluring unsuspecting shoppers. However, during scrutiny of the product, it was revealed that the firm, based in India, had falsely presented itself as both the importer and manufacturer of the product. It appears that the brand name was intentionally chosen to sound catchy and appear foreign to attract customers.
Responding to the show-cause notice issued by the Deputy Controller (Consumer Protection) Jammu, the company confessed to its labelling offences and sought departmental compounding—a legal remedy under the Act. Consequently, the company paid a composition sum of Rs. 75,000, assuring compliance with the packaging requirements as mandated under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
In a hand-out issued by the Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology Department (Consumer Protection), Jammu, emphasized the importance of accurate product information on pre-packaged commodities to protect consumers rights from deceptive practice. As per the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, the manufacturers, packers, importers, suppliers, and sellers shall ensure that consumers must receive a set of accurate information about the pre-packaged commodities they purchase such as the address of the manufacturer/packer/importer; the name of the country of the origin in case of imported products; the common or generic name of commodity, MRP, Net Qty., Unit Sale Price (USP), customer care details (name, address, contact no, email of a person or office), etc., thereby avoiding instances of deception/ cheating/ fraudulent practices adopted by erring the traders.
Further, Legal Metrology Department advices consumers to be an alert and aware while making purchases in the forthcoming festive season, and in case of any related grievance, they can approach the office of Controller Legal Metrology Department J&K for its redressal.