Question : INSPECTION BY ANTI-ADULTERATION CELL

(a) whether Anti-Adulteration Cell inspects the retail outlets in the night just to catch the vehicles and products used in the adulteration on petrol pumps and rest of the aspects of petrol pumps are/could be checked in the day time;

(b) if so, whether the Government has directed/informed this cell to conduct inspections of the retail outlets as per the provisions of standard of Weights & Measurement Act, Petroleum Act, Essential Commodities Act and MS/HSD Control Order, 1998;

(c) if so, whether this cell honour the various provisions of above Acts;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the appellate authority against the conduct and behaviour of the officers of this cell?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS ( SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN )

(a) : Yes, Sir. Anti-Adulteration Cell (AAC) conducts inspection mostly on the basis of information collected from various sources. As most of the adulteration activities take place during the night it becomes necessary for AAC Officers to conduct inspections during the night also. There is no legal bar on conducting inspections at night. However, inspections at night are conducted only in case of retail outlets that remain open during the night.

(b) & (c) : Government have authoriesed AAC to conduct inspection under the provisions of MS & HSD(Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 1998 and AAC Officers strictly adhere to provision of this order and the Essential Commodities Act under which these Control Orders have been issued. AAC Officers are not empowered under any other Act.

(d) & (e) : No, Sir. The Cell strictly complies with the provisions of the Law. If any specific complaint is received against the conduct and misbehaviour of any Officers of this Cell, Government takes appropriate action.