State government to crack down on water bottling firms

BENGALURU: Water bottling companies could soon find themselves in troubled waters. The state legal metrology department, which recently conducted surprise checks in shopping malls, discovered that 500ml bottled water is being sold for as high as Rs 40, twice the average cost of a 1 litre bottle. The department is planning to crack down on bottling

The department has decided to file cases against water bottle manufactures in the consumer court under unfair trade practices of Consumer Protection Act.

The legal metrology department booked 270 cases and seized 299 water bottles for inflated MRPs during a two-day raid conducted at 1,169 outlets across the state on May 4 and 5.

 “We have collected details of manufactures who put different prices on bottled water and other beverages supplied to malls and multiplexes. We will file cases against violators in consumer courts in a week,” the official added.

The department has also received complaints that packaged items, including bottled water, being sold at Kempegowda International Airport too are overpriced. “There is no exception for airports from MRP rules,” said another official.

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan recently said bottled water should be sold at same MRP rates at airports, hotels and malls. He directed states to end the practice of dual MRPs in malls, multiplexes, stadiums, airports and other places. For complaints, consumers can contact legal metrology department at 080-2253500,2260554 or write to [email protected]