Department Fines Arghakhanchi Cement Rs 205,000 for Violating Consumer Protection Act

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has fined Arghakhanchi Cement Rs 205,000 for violating provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. The action was taken during a surprise market inspection carried out on Sunday across various industries and enterprises in Rupandehi and Kathmandu.

According to the department, Arghakhanchi Cement was found guilty of offenses under Sections 16 and 38 of the Act, leading to action under Section 39(1). The company was penalized for engaging in unfair business practices related to product quality, quantity, pricing, measurement, packaging, and the process of selling or supplying goods and services.

The Act authorizes inspection officers to impose fines ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 300,000 if evidence obtained during inspections, monitoring, or inquiry indicates that a producer, distributor, transporter, importer, or seller has committed consumer-related offenses.

Similarly, the department has also fined Tirupati Food Processing Industries of Siddharthanagar, Rupandehi, by the same amount—Rs 205,000. Panchakanya Steel, on the other hand, has been issued general instructions for improvement.

On Sunday, the department also conducted field inspections at Aqua Minerals, Trikon Beverages, Kundpani Processing Industry, Annapurna Industries, NB Beverages, Shubhakarma Mineral Water & Beverages, Chandeshwari Mineral Water & Beverages, Jharna Pure Drinking Water Pvt. Ltd., and Kirtipur Cooperative Drinking Water Industry, issuing necessary directives where required.