In a significant move to enhance road safety, the Controller of Legal Metrology, Jammu and Kashmir, launched a major crackdown on non-standard helmets. This strict action resulted in the seizure of 5000 helmets that did not comply with safety and legal standards. The initiative was taken to ensure that only high-quality and certified helmets are available in the market, providing maximum protection to two-wheeler riders.
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Enforcement Measures Taken
To regulate helmet sales and eliminate non-compliant products, the Controller of Legal Metrology, J&K, formed special enforcement teams. These teams conducted inspections across the region to identify and take action against manufacturers and sellers dealing in substandard helmets. The inspections were carried out per the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011.
According to Anuradha Gupta, the Controller of Legal Metrology, J&K, a special drive was initiated to check whether helmets being sold met the mandatory declarations outlined in the Legal Metrology rules. The objective was to ensure that helmets available in the market carried the necessary certifications and labels.
Background and Supreme Court Recommendations
The crackdown on non-standard helmets was also influenced by a directive issued by the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. During a recent review meeting on implementing the Supreme Court Committee’s recommendations on road safety, the Legal Metrology Department was instructed to intensify efforts to remove substandard helmets from the market. The primary goal was to ensure that only BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certified helmets were available, thereby enhancing road safety for two-wheeler riders.
Inspection Drive Across Jammu and Kashmir
As part of the enforcement campaign, simultaneous surprise inspections were carried out across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Retail outlets and distributors selling helmets were thoroughly checked to ensure compliance with legal metrology guidelines. The inspections focused on verifying whether helmets adhered to prescribed quality standards and bore the BIS certification.
During these inspections, teams from the Legal Metrology Department visited 320 establishments. As a result, 42 cases were registered under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011. The authorities also confiscated several helmets that did not meet BIS specifications, and these will now be handed over to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for further legal proceedings.
Seizure of Helmets and Storage Locations
A total of 5000 non-standard helmets were seized during this operation, including bulk stocks found at two godowns located in Digiana and R.S. Pura. This move was aimed at preventing substandard products from reaching consumers and ensuring that only legally approved helmets were available for purchase.
The Legal Metrology Department acknowledged the support of the police force during the inspections. In certain instances, police assistance was required at inspection sites to facilitate the process, and their cooperation was appreciated.
Ensuring Compliance and Future Actions
Speaking on the success of the drive, Anuradha Gupta emphasized that this operation reflects the department’s dedication to ensuring consumer safety. The department is committed to making sure that only certified helmets, adhering to Legal Metrology regulations, are sold in the market. She assured that similar drives will continue in the future to maintain compliance with legal and safety standards.
The Legal Metrology Department has strictly instructed all helmet sellers to comply with Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. This rule mandates that all packaged products, including helmets, must bear necessary declarations regarding their compliance with safety standards. Sellers found violating these rules will face strict legal action under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act.
Consumer Awareness and Complaint Redressal
To further assist consumers, the Legal Metrology Department has provided a toll-free helpline number—1800 180 7114—where complaints related to violations of Legal Metrology rules can be reported. Consumers can use this platform to raise concerns regarding the sale of substandard helmets or any other non-compliant products in the market.
Additionally, the department has recently launched its social media handles to keep the public informed about its activities, consumer rights, and updates regarding regulatory actions. This initiative aims to enhance consumer awareness and provide real-time information about the department’s efforts in safeguarding consumer interests.
