Q. 15. Explain how “The Standards of Weights
and Measures Act, 1956' provides legal protection to
consumers.
Answers
Answer:he Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956 was the first enactment by which the uniform standards of weights and measures, based on the metric system were established. The standards established by the 1956 Act were based on the international system of units.
Standards of weights and measures were subsequently revised by having regard to the rapid advances made in the fields of science and technology and a practical system of units of weights and measures, suitable for adoption for all the signatories to the Metro Convention was evolved. This practical system of weights and measures was given the name “Le System International d’Units” (with its international abbreviation “SI”).
In view of the revision the Central Government constituted a Committee to consider what changes are required to be made in 1956. The Committee suggested the replacement of the 1956 Act by a comprehensive legislation on the subject.
The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976
An Act to establish standards of weights and measures, to regulate inter-State trade or commerce
in weights, measures and other goods which are sold or distributed by weights, measure or number, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
It extends to the whole of India. It applies to commodities in packaged from which are sold,
distributed or offered or displayed for sale.