GUWAHATI, March 4 � Many shopping malls, shops and branded outlets which are running their business in the State, have resorted to sale of packed products by putting on stickers with inflated prices. The prices of products offered by malls and branded outlets, especially during discount sales is more often than not higher than that fixed by manufacturers. This has been alleged by Consumers' Legal Protection Forum (CLPF).
In a statement, Chief Coordinator of CLPF Ajoy Hazarika alleged that most of the shopping malls and retail outlets were altering original prices of items by affixing an additional sticker over the price printed on the packets. By this act they are violating the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
According to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, a packaged product should be sold at prices printed on the packets by the manufacturers, the CLPF stated.
While shopping, consumers should check the printed price carefully and if they find any extra sticker affixed, they should lodge a formal complaint.
The practice, according to CLPF, is taking the consumers for a ride. It suspects this takes place in other parts of the state too. The government should institute an inquiry.
Hazarika informed, 'CLPF has sent a legal notice to M/S Big Bazaar located in Bhangagarh area on the basis of a complaint received from a consumer in the year of 2008. Complainant Narendra Banchali had bought 4 'Everfresh Frozen American Sweet Corn" from Big Bazaar on 21/09/08. The cost of the said item was Rs.55 per packet, but the shopping mall charged Rs.65 per packet. The victim had to pay Rs.40 in excess. After the illegality was noticed in the sales operation of M/S Big Bazaar by the Legal Metrology recently, it is proved that the shopping mall was cheating the consumers in full swing from the very beginning'.
Like the Fake Financial & Non-banking Institutions, most of the shopping malls, shops and branded outlets are 'looting the common consumers' due to the negligence of various Govt. Departments, the CLPF mentioned. It further criticized the role of concerned Government department in pursuing the matter related to the cheating of various shopping malls, shops and branded outlets, the CLPF stated.
