Kathmandu: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has ramped up market inspections across the Valley, taking action against 14 industries and firms for breaching consumer protection laws.
Among the biggest penalties, Halesi Mart Pvt. Ltd. in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, was fined Rs 200,000, while Om Shivashakti Ceramic Pvt. Ltd., also in Madhyapur Thimi, faced a Rs 50,000 fine.
These actions were carried out under Section 39(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, based on violations listed in Sections 16 and 38.
The Department conducted coordinated inspections in several establishments across Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, targeting unfair business practices involving product quality, quantity, pricing, measurement, packaging, and the sale or delivery of goods and services.
Under Section 39 of the Act, inspection officers may impose fines ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 if manufacturers, importers, sellers, transporters, stockists, or service providers are found engaging in illegal commercial practices.
In the latest enforcement drive, Home Made Spines and Tea Shop in Kathmandu-16 was fined Rs 20,000, GKSS Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. in Gatthaghar Rs 10,000, and Ashish Trade Link in Chhetrapati Rs 10,000.
IK Surgical Suppliers, also in Chhetrapati, has been ordered to appear within 24 hours to settle a Rs 55,000 fine. Meanwhile, City Mineral Water and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. in Tokha-8 has been instructed to submit business documents within three days. The Department has also issued general directives to seven other firms following the inspections.
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