Can a shopkeeper charge more than the MRP printed on a product?

A shopkeeper charged me more than the maximum retail price printed on the packet. I want to know if this is illegal and how to complain. Before I spend money on it, I want to know whether Legal Metrology Act 2009, Section 18 gives me a remedy here and what proof I would need. Any Section numbers I can quote when I write to them would be useful.

Legal Metrology Act 2009, Section 18, Legal Metrology Act 2009, Section 36 and Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(47) is what decides this question in India. Read it alongside the provisions named, because the relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

Section 18 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 requires every pre-packaged commodity to declare its maximum retail price, and selling above this price is a statutory violation.

Section 36 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009 makes it an offence to sell or deliver a commodity with an incorrect declaration or in excess of the declared price, punishable with fine and imprisonment on repetition.

Charging above MRP also constitutes an unfair trade practice under Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, entitling you to compensation before the consumer commission.

The extra amount collected can be claimed as a refund along with compensation for harassment and litigation cost.

Complaints can be filed with the Legal Metrology Department of the state, which has power to seize goods and prosecute the seller.

What this means for you: 1) Retain the bill showing the amount charged above the printed MRP; 2) Complain to the local Legal Metrology or Weights and Measures inspector; 3) File a consumer complaint for refund of the excess amount and compensation; 4) Report repeated offenders through the National Consumer Helpline.

Where the facts are disputed, what usually decides a mrp overcharging complaint matter is the paper trail — dated complaints, acknowledgments and written replies under Legal Metrology Act 2009, Section 18. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in consumer law.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.