SRINAGAR: The Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of Jammu and Kashmir has seized 5000 poor-quality helmets and registered 42 cases under the Packaged Commodity Rules, 2011 in a crackdown against the sale of non-standard helmets.
The operation, conducted under the supervision of Controller Legal Metrology, Anuradha Gupta, aimed to enforce regulatory standards for helmets and ensure compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification. Enforcement teams carried out surprise inspections across all districts, targeting retail outlets and distributors.
During the drive, 320 establishments were inspected, leading to significant seizures, including bulk stocks from two warehouses in Digiana and R S Pura. Some seized helmets, found to be non-compliant with BIS specifications, will be handed over to the Bureau of Indian Standards for further legal action.
The initiative was part of a directive issued by the Chief Secretary of J&K during a recent review meeting on the Supreme Court Committee’s recommendations on road safety. The drive aims to eliminate non-standard helmets from the market and promote safer practices for two-wheeler riders.
“This drive underscores our commitment to ensuring that only certified and safe helmets, which strictly adhere to Legal Metrology guidelines, are made available to consumers. Such drives shall continue in the future as well,” stated Anuradha Gupta.
The department has warned sellers against violating mandatory declarations under Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, promising stringent legal action against offenders.
Consumers have been encouraged to report violations through the toll-free number 1800 180 7114. Additionally, the department has launched social media handles to provide updates on departmental activities and information about consumer rights.
