30 Unauthorized Petrol Pumps Sealed in Kashmir During Legal Metrology Crackdown
SRINAGAR: The Legal Metrology Department sealed 30 illegal petrol pumps across Kashmir on Thursday. Specially constituted teams carried out inspections in seven districts of the Kashmir division, including Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, and Anantnag, officials stated.
“These outlets were found in violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and the Petroleum Rules. Our commitment is to safeguard consumer interests and ensure regulatory compliance,” the official said.
The action was part of a comprehensive effort to enforce the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules, aimed at protecting consumers’ rights.
“Our inspections today revealed widespread violations, including the use of unverified nozzles, tampering with measuring devices, and the operation of outlets without authorisation from Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organisation (PESO),” the official added.
Inspections also uncovered that the dispensing units lacked the required certification from the Legal Metrology Department, leading to inaccurate fuel delivery and leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud.
Anuradha Gupta, Controller of Legal Metrology said, “Our primary concern is the safety and rights of consumers. Petrol pumps violating legal standards will face strict action. Teams have been constituted to check violations, and violators will face appropriate legal consequences.
“These illegal petrol pumps not only violate legal standards but also pose significant risks to public safety by failing to adhere to necessary safety protocols. We are committed to taking swift action to ensure compliance and protect the interests of the people.”
All illegal dispensing units discovered during the inspections were sealed, and cases have been registered against the owners and operators. Legal proceedings under relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules are underway, Gupta confirmed.
Earlier, in an order issued by the Controller of Legal Metrology, teams were directed to inspect all such units and seize any illegal dispensing units, weights, or measures found violating the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 and its associated rules. Any records, registers, or documents furnishing evidence of offences were also to be seized in terms of Section 15(1)(b) of the Legal Metrology Act 2009.
Teams were instructed to coordinate with local police authorities, if necessary, to ensure smooth and lawful execution of the directives. All actions were to be conducted transparently and within the purview of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. (JKNS)