Authorities inspected 455 units during festivals, registered cases against 251

Gandhinagar: Following the instructions of Minister for Consumer Protection, Shri Ramanbhai Solanki, the Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Department conducted a special inspection drive across the state on October 16 and 17, 2026, to protect consumers from weight-related fraud during Navratri and Dussehra.

During the drive, approximately 455 units, including sweet shops, snack (farsan) shops, and dry fruit stores, were inspected. Legal action was taken by registering offences against a total of 251 units, and approximately ₹5,42,000 was collected as compounding fees.

Assistant Controllers and Inspectors of the Legal Metrology department inspected sweet, snack, dry fruit, and gift shops to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory provisions. The drive was organized for the purpose of consumer protection and awareness, as consumers often purchase these items during festivals, posing a possibility of being cheated in weight.

Irregularities such as providing underweight goods, failing to get weighing scales verified/stamped, not displaying verification certificates, and failing to register packers were observed during the inspections. The administration made efforts to protect consumer interests, maintain transparency in weights and measures, and ensure traders comply with legal provisions. The administration stated that consumers can lodge complaints regarding underweight goods or charging more than the MRP on the Gujarat State toll-free helpline 1800-233-0222. For consumer complaints and guidance, the National Consumer Helpline 1915 (NCH) can also be contacted.