The recent decision to fine 92 companies a total of Rs 20 million for not following the rules about maximum retail price (MRP) is a commendable step toward protecting consumers. People who go out to buy things need to know exactly how much they will have to pay for them. The MRP does just that: it protects consumers from being cheated. The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP), the government agency in charge of carrying out this responsibility, has moved ahead after checking on 713 businesses in the last two and a half months. It was found that 13 percent of these people had broken the rules. This action makes it very clear that not following price rules has consequences. According to the law, all businesses that sell goods in the market must put the maximum retail price on their goods. They are also told to put the name of the manufacturer, the batch number, the date of expiration, and, if necessary, standard marks or pictures on the package. This makes it easier to tell what you're buying and if it's safe and real. Sadly, only 26 of the companies that were checked were following the rules. Of the 308 people who were asked to send in their papers, 278 were told to fix their mistakes. This shows that compliance isn't very strong in the market.
The Constitution and the Consumer Protection Act 2018 give the DoCSCP the power to watch over markets, but it has been hard to enforce the law. The rule was first published in 2012, but progress has been slow because of strong business interests. Some businesspeople say that making MRP labels required could lead to smuggling or hurt their profits. Others believe that the government should have given them enough time and support before starting inspections and penalties. While these concerns are valid, they do not excuse the need to protect consumers from being misled or overcharged. The job of the DoCSCP is tough as it has to look at thousands of warehouses, factories, and stores all over the country. That's why the government needs to make this body stronger and its work effective. Regular monitoring will get better with more trained staff, the right tools, and better communication with other departments.
The already existing consumer court should also be used more often to settle disagreements fairly and quickly. Price fairness isn't a gift from sellers; it's a right that every citizen has. If a customer pays more than the printed MRP or gets a product that isn't properly labeled, it can make them lose faith in the whole system. That is why it is important to keep a close eye on things and act when needed. When people go into a store, they should feel safe and sure of themselves. They should know that someone is watching out for their rights. The recent fine is not the end; it is the beginning. Now the focus must shift to broader and fair enforcement that benefits both honest businesses and everyday consumers.