Multiplexes, shops and eateries booked for overcharging people

MUMBAI: The Legal Metrology Organisation (LMO) has booked several retailers for overcharging consumers for milk, cold drink and bottled water during several drives.

MUMBAI: The Legal Metrology Organisation (LMO) has booked several retailers for overcharging consumers for milk, cold drink and bottled water during several drives.

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The major outlets booked for dual Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under the Legal Metrology Act are Inox Lessor R-2 Mall, Nariman Point; Erros Theatre, Mumbai; PVR in Phoenix Mall Compound, Parel; Jaihind cinema, Chinchpokli; Orange Hotel Restaurant, Kandivali; Shivsagar Restaurant, Airport; Bakers Street, Andheri; Milayam Agencies Pvt.Ltd, Airport and others in the recent state-wide drive, said a release issued by the LMO.

The outlets have been mainly booked for dual charging of bottled mineral water.

Restaurants or shops that sell products at a higher price than their original MRP are doing it illegally, said the LMO that works under the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department of the state government.

Overcharging by retailers and the dual MRP has been highlighted by Hindustan Times for over three years now. “We had received several complaints on more than one MRP on the same packaged product, packed by the same packer in Maharashtra. We talked to the director of Legal Metrology, New Delhi, and learned about this order. The drive was conducted after that,” said Amitabh Gupta, controller of LMO.

A total of 134 establishments were booked. It also issued showcause notices to five manufacturing companies —Hindusthan Coca Cola Pvt Ltd, Pepsico India Holding Pvt Ltd, Red Bull India Pvt Ltd, Eureka Forbes Ltd and Pitels Aqua and Agro Foods — and asked them to file a reply within seven days, explaining why two different prices were charged for the same product.