The government has banned companies from using the dual maximum retail prices in places like malls, airports and hotels Companies will not be allowed to charge a different price for water, soft drinks or snacks at premium locations The decision was taken after an appeal made by the department of legal metrology of Maharashtra
The government has banned companies from using the dual maximum retail prices in places like malls, airports and hotels.
This comes as a relief for consumers who have complained against retail stores charging higher than the MRP in those locations.
As per the order, which will come into effect on January 1, 2018, companies will not be allowed to charge a different price for water, soft drinks or snacks at premium locations.
The decision was taken after an appeal made by the department of legal metrology of Maharashtra (LMO).
Controller of Legal Metrology Amitabh Gupta told Times of India, "It has been a long-drawn-out battle because the big companies approached the Bombay High Court. They claimed the Legal Metrology Act was silent on dual MRP so they could charge a different price. The Act has now been amended to prohibit companies from levying two separate MRPs for a single product unless done under legal provisions. No law permits them to do so."
However, the rule will not apply to restaurants since this rule is for retail services where customers buy off the counter and restaurants come under supplier services.
The consumer affairs department has also ordered that medical devices such as stents, valves, orthopaedic implants, syringes and tools for operations will have to display MRP.
