KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified market inspections in recent days, taking action against 14 industries and firms for violating consumer protection laws.
According to the Department, Halesi Mart Pvt. Ltd. in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, has been fined Rs 200,000, while Om Shivashakti Ceramic Pvt. Ltd., also located in Madhyapur Thimi, has been fined Rs 50,000.
The actions were taken under Section 39(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, for offenses outlined in Sections 16 and 38 of the same Act.
The Department carried out simultaneous inspections in various industries and establishments across Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, penalizing those engaged in unfair commercial practices. These include issues related to quality, quantity, pricing, measurement, packaging, and the provision or sale of goods and services.
Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act authorizes inspection officers to impose fines ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 if a manufacturer, transporter, stockist, importer, seller, or service provider is found guilty of unfair business practices during market inspections.
Among those penalized, Home Made Spines and Tea Shop in Kathmandu-16 was fined Rs 20,000, GKSS Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. in Gatthaghar was fined Rs 10,000, and Ashish Trade Link in Chhetrapati was fined Rs 10,000. IK Surgical Suppliers in Chhetrapati has been instructed to appear within 24 hours and pay a fine of Rs 55,000.
City Mineral Water and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. in Tokha-8, Kathmandu, has been ordered to present business-related documents within three days. The Department has also issued general directives to seven other industries and firms.
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