The Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of Jammu and Kashmir has seized 5,000 poor qualty helmets and filed 42 cases under the Packaged Commodity Rules, 2011. This action is part of a crackdown on the sale of non-standard helmets, aiming to enforce helmet safety standards and ensure compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
Under the supervision of Controller Legal Metrology Anuradha Gupta, enforcement teams conducted surprise inspections across all districts, focusing on retail outlets and distributors. During these inspections, 320 establishments were checked, leading to significant seizures, including large stocks from warehouses in Digiana and R S Pura. Some of the seized helmets did not meet BIS specifications and will be handed over to the Bureau of Indian Standards for further legal proceedings.
This initiative follows a directive from the Chief Secretary of J&K during a review meeting on the Supreme Court Committee’s recommendations for road safety. The goal is to remove non-standard helmets from the market and promote safer practices for two-wheeler riders.
Anuradha Gupta stated, “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.”
The department has warned sellers against violating mandatory declarations under Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011, and promised strict legal action against violators.
Consumers are encouraged to report any violations through the toll-free number 1800 180 7114. Additionally, the department has launched social media platforms to provide updates on their activities and information about consumer rights.
