Decriminalization of Legal Metrology Act
Speaking at the National Workshop on the Legal Metrology Act, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution urged state governments to support the decriminalization of the Legal Metrology Act.
What is legal metrology?
It is regulation and standardization of methodology of weighments and measurements.
What is the aim of the National Workshop on Legal Metrology Act?
To take opinions from all stakeholders regarding the decriminalization of offenses under the Legal Metrology Act. It was attended by representatives of around 30 states and Union Territories (UTs). It was organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Who chaired the National Workshop on Legal Metrology Act?
Piyush Goyal (Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution).
What are the highlights of the speech of the Union minister at the workshop?
Minister said that there is a need to simplify the act and decriminalize offenses under it, however, habitual offenders should be strictly punished. He suggested that differentiation between bonafide and malafide intentions of businessmen is important and there is a need to deliberate whether parameters should be the same for small vendors and big businessmen.
What is the purpose of the Legal Metrology Act 2009?
To enforce standards related to weights and measures in India.
What is the punishment for violation of the Legal Metrology Act 2009?
The act contains provisions for fines and also imprisonment for second or subsequent offenses.
How many cases are booked under the act?
In 2021-22, around 74,000 cases were booked for the first offense stood. However, only 11 cases were booked for the second offense.
Why is it important to decriminalize the legal metrology act?
To promote ease of doing business in India. To ensure that laws that were brought to protect consumers should not be misused to harass businessmen.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2022
Category: Legal & Constitution Current Affairs