Notes : Socio- Economic Offences
Legal/Indian Metrological Act, 2009
Section 2
Who Needs Model Approval?
- Every person or entity manufacturing or importing weights and measures in India needs to
obtain model approval from the Legal Metrology Department, Central Government, Delhi.
- This includes manufacturers and importers of various weighing and measuring instruments.
Exemptions from Model Approval
- Certain items are exempt from model approval, including:
- *Cast Iron Weights*: used for specific industrial or commercial purposes
- *Brass Weights*: used in various applications
- *Bullion Weights*: used for measuring precious metals
- *Carat Weights*: used for measuring gemstones and precious stones
- *Beam Scales*: used for measuring weights, particularly in retail trade
- *Length Measures*: (excluding measuring tapes) used for measuring textiles or timber
- *Capacity Measures*: with a capacity not exceeding 20 liters, used for measuring kerosene,
milk, or potable liquors in retail trade
Model Approval Process
- Submit an application to the designated authority with required documents and fees.
- The authority verifies the documents and may conduct tests to ensure compliance with Indian
metrology standards.
- If the model meets the standards, a Model Approval Certificate is issued.
Model Approval for Imported Weights and Measures
- If a weight or measure has already been approved in another country, the prescribed authority
in India may approve the model without further testing or after conducting tests deemed
necessary.
- This streamlines the process for importers and manufacturers who have already obtained
approvals in other countries.
Importance of Model Approval
- Ensures accuracy and reliability of weights and measures used in trade and commerce.
- Protects consumers from fraudulent practices and inaccurate measurements.
- Maintains uniformity in measurements across the country, facilitating fair trade practices.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with Weight and Measure Regulations
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009, prescribes penalties for non-compliance with registration and
standard requirements for weights and measures. Here are the key points:
Penalty for Non-Registration (Section 38)
- *Fine*: Up to ₹25,000 for the first offense
- *Imprisonment*: Up to 6 months, or fine, or both for the second or subsequent offense
Penalty for Import of Non-Standard Weights and Measures (Section 39)
- *Fine*: Up to ₹50,000 for the first offense
- *Imprisonment*: Up to 1 year and fine for the second or subsequent offense
Importance of Compliance
- Ensures accuracy and reliability of weights and measures used in trade and commerce
- Protects consumers from fraudulent practices and inaccurate measurements
- Maintains uniformity in measurements across the country, facilitating fair trade practices
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Financial penalties
- Imprisonment for repeated offenses
- Damage to business reputation and credibility
By complying with registration and standard requirements, importers and manufacturers can
avoid these penalties and contribute to a fair and transparent trade environment.
Penalties for Providing False Information or Returns
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009, prescribes penalties for providing false information or returns to
authorities. Here are the key points:
Penalty for Giving False Information (Section 41(1))
- *Fine*: Up to ₹5,000 for the first offense
- *Imprisonment*: Up to 6 months and fine for the second or subsequent offense
Penalty for Submitting False Returns or Records (Section 41(2))
- *Fine*: Up to ₹5,000 for the first offense
- *Imprisonment*: Up to 1 year and fine for the second or subsequent offense
Importance of Providing Accurate Information
- Ensures transparency and accountability in trade and commerce
- Helps authorities maintain accurate records and make informed decisions
- Protects consumers from fraudulent practices and ensures fair trade
Consequences of Providing False Information
- Financial penalties
- Imprisonment for repeated offenses
- Damage to business reputation and credibility
By providing accurate information and maintaining proper records, individuals and businesses
can avoid these penalties and contribute to a fair and transparent trade environment.
Penalty for Tampering with Licence
The Legal Metrology Act, 2009, prescribes penalties for tampering with licences issued under
the Act. Here’s what you need to know:
Offense
- Tampering with or altering a licence issued or renewed under the Act
- Doing so without proper authorization from the Controller
Penalty
- *Fine*: Up to ₹20,000
- *Imprisonment*: Up to 1 year
- *Both*: Fine and imprisonment
Importance of Licence Integrity
- Ensures authenticity and validity of licences
- Maintains trust and confidence in the licensing system
- Protects consumers and stakeholders from unauthorized activities
Consequences of Tampering
- Financial penalties
- Imprisonment
- Loss of business reputation and credibility
- Potential cancellation of licence
By respecting the integrity of licences and following proper procedures, individuals and
businesses can avoid these penalties and maintain a positive standing with regulatory authorities.
