KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, often criticized for conducting market inspections only during festivals, has recently intensified its monitoring activities.
On Friday alone, the Department inspected eight industries and firms across Kathmandu. During the operation, Crystal Store Tarakeshwor Goldhunga was fined Rs 200,000 for violating Sections 16 and 38 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, under offenses listed in Section 39(1).
These offenses relate to unfair commercial practices involving inaccurate information on quality, quantity, pricing, measurement, or the sale and delivery of goods and services.
Section 39 of the Act authorizes inspection officers to impose fines if evidence gathered during monitoring reveals violations by manufacturers, transporters, custodians, importers, sellers, or service providers. In cases of unfair business practices, fines can range from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000.
A mobile kitchen in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-31, was fined Rs 20,000, while Green Buds Bakery Café in Sinamangal faced a penalty of Rs 5,000.
The canteen operating within the Sumeru Hospital premises in Lalitpur has been instructed to appear before the Department within three days with business-related documents. Three additional firms received general directives for improvement.
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