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The Odisha Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act,1958

Odisha · state statute
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The Orissa Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, 
 
Act 20 of 1958 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Keyword(s): 
Commercial Weight or Measure, Measuring Instrument, Mint, Standard 
Weight or Measure, Reference Standards, Secondary Standards, Stamping, 
Verification, Weighing Instrument, Working Standards 
 
 
ORISSA ACT 20 OF 1958 
Tm ORZSsA WEIGHTS AND ~~ 
(ENFORCEMBNTJ ACT, z9se 
--A 
CONTENTS 
PmMBLE 
Sections 
I. Short title, extent and commencement 
2. Defiai:iw- 
3. Working standards 
! 
4. Secondary standards I 
5. Reference standards 
6. Standard weighing and measuring instruments 
7. Prohibition of use of weights and measurer; other than standard ~vcj&s aid 
measures. 
8. Power to prescribe the use of weights onIy or maurcs only- in certain cases 
9. Marking of denominations on comercia1 weights and measures 
10. Prohibitions of sale of unstampd commercial weights ad measura 
11. Prohibition of use of unstamped commercial weights or measures 
12. power of State Government to bempt 
13. Prohibition of mnufacture, etc., of weights and measures without licenw 
14. Marking of weights or measures on sealed cclntainers 
15. Appointment of Controller and other authorities and their powers and functiom 
16. Inspectors to enter into recagniance 
17. Verification and stampiug by Inspecton 
18. Powcr to inspect, etc. 
19. Pawer of Iuspector to adjust weights or measures 
20. ChntroIler, Inspctor, etc. to bc public semnk 
21. Manufacturers, do., to mainGn rq~ords and docmenia 
22. Appeals 
I. 
23. Levy of fee0 
SECTIONS 
24. Validity of weights and measures duly stamped 
u. Penalty for sr3 : or delivery by weight or measure other than standard weight or 
measure. 
26. PenaIty for sale of ustamped comercia1 weights and measures 
27. Penalty for use of unstamped commerciat weights and measures 
28. Penalty for manufacture of weights, etc., without Iicence 
29. PenaIty for use af weight or measure in contravention of section 8 
30. PenalQ for failure to mark weight ot measurc on sealed containers 
31. Penalty for fraudulent use of weights or measures, etc. 
32. Pcnalty for being in possession of false weight or measure, etc. 
33. Penalty for malung or selling false weight or measure, etc. 
34. Yenalty for giving short weight or measure 
35. Pendty forging etc., of weights or measures 
36. Penalty for neglect or refusal to produce weight or measure etc., for inspection 
37. Penalty for breach of duty by Inspector 
38. ~rotw&a of action taken in good faith 
39. Cognizance of offenas, etc. 
40. Stamped weights, etc., to be presumed to be correct 
4l.Offencesby Companies 
42. Delegation of power6 
43, Limits of error to be tolerated in weights and mwsures 
44. Power to make rules 
45, Repeal 
ORTSSA ACT 20 OF 1958 
'&THE ORISSA WEIGHTS A5D MEASWS 
(ENFORCEMENT) ACT, 19581 
[Rccciwd the assettt of llze Governor 
on the 8th July 1958, fist pubZislted in 
the ex!raordiliary issue of the 
Orissa Gazette, daied the 
14th July 19581 
AN ACT TO PROVJPE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF 
STANDARD 'WEIGHE AND MEASURES AND 
FOR MATTERS CONMXTED THEREWYra 
WHEREAS it is expedient to enforce the standard mmbb 
I 
weights and measures based on metric system in the 
State of Orissa and to providc for other matters 
connected therewith; 
It is hereby enacted by the .Legislature of the 
State of Orissa in the Ninth Year of the Republic 
of India as follows:-- 
CHAPTER 1 
1. (I) This AC t may be called the Orissa Weights short trtrq 
and Measur~s (Enforcement) . Act, 1958. c~rnrnence extcn t and 
menL 
(2) It extends to the whole of the State of Orissa. 
(3) It shaIl come into force on such date as the 
State Government may, by notification2 in the Gazette 
appoint, and different dates may be appointed for 
different.provisions of this Act or for different areas 
or for different classes of undertakings or for different 
classes of goods, 
1. For Stahment of Objects and Reasons, see Orissu GazeIte, Extraordinary, &d tho 
20th March 1958 (No. ]Up). 
2. Came into tom with qfect from thc May 1960 vide Notificati,on No. 1Ssa4.~. II-M.2216&D. dated the 18th Apni 1960, published ra 0- we~fe, Btraordmary, dated 
20th PpriI 1W Rlo. 386) 
28 TEE 0131~s~ WEIGHTS AND MEASURES [Or. Act 
(Sec. 2) 
D&iitions 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise 
requires- 
(a)"Comercial weight or measure" means a 
weight or measure purporting to be a standard weight 
or measure used in, any transactions for trade or 
commerce; 
I [ (6) 'ControUer' , 'Additional Controller', 
'Joint Controller', 'Deputy Controaer' and 'Assistant 
Controller' mean the Controller, Additional Con- 
trorer, Joint Controller, Deputy Controller and Assist- 
ant ControlIer pf Weights and Measures appointed 
under section 15; ] 
2[ (c) 'Inspector' means an Xnspector or Senior 
Inspector of Weights and Measures appointed under 
section 15 ; ] 
(d) "Measuring instrument" means any measww- 
ing instrument other than a weighing instrument and 
includes any instrument for measuring length, area, 
volume or capacity; 
(e) "mint " means the mint of the Central Govern- 
ment either in Bombay or in Calcutta; 
(f\ "Prescribed " means prescribed by des made 
under this Act; 
(g) "Standa~d wight or measure" means any 
unit of mass or measure referred to in sub-section (1) 
of section 13. of the Standards of Weights and Mea- 
sures Act, 1936 and includes any other weight Or89ofu56 
measure permitted to be used by the Central Govern- 
ment in pursuahce of sub-section (I) of section 14 
of the said Act; 
(h) "Reference standards" mean the sets of 
standard weights and measures supplied to the State 
Government by the Central Government in pursuance 
of sub-section (2) of section 15 of the Standards of 
Weights and Measures Act, 1956; 89 of 1956 
(i) "Secondary standards" mean weights and 
measures prepared under sub-section (I) of section 4; 
1. Substituted by thc Or ha ~cishm and Measurcs (Enforcement) (Amntdment) A* 1969 
(Or. Act 7 of 1969),~. 2 (0. 
(j) "Stamping " means nvrkirtg in sucli manner 
as to be so far as practicable, inc!cli'u!e and ii~cluc;ss 
casting, engraving, etching 3rd ?,randing; 
(k) "Uerification" with its grzmrnatical varia- 
tions used,witb. reference to n weight or measure or 
weighing or measurins instrun;cnt, i ncludcs tl~c process 
of comparing, checking or testi~g such weight or 
measure or weighing or measuring instrument and 
also includes revcri fication; 
(I) "Weighing instrument" rmans my ir~strument 
for weighrng and includes scales slith the weights belong- 
ing thereto, scale-beams, balances, spring baIances, 
steel yards and other weighillg machines; 
(m) "Working standards" mean weights and 
measures prepared under sub-section (1) of section 3; 
(n) "ruIes" means rules made under section '44. 
CHAPTER 11 
STANDARD WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 
3. (1) For the purpose af verifying the correctness Workhg 
of commercial weights and measures and weighing standark 
and measuring instruments used in transactions for 
trade or commerce, the State Government may cause 
to be prepared as many sefs of authenticated standard 
weights and measures as they may deem necessary 
to be called the working standards, and special sets 
of working standards in relation to bullion and predous 
stones may abo be prepared. 
(2) The working standards shail- .be made of 
such material and according to such designs and I 
specifications and_shalI be prepared by such agency 
and shall be stamped and authenticated by such 
person or authority and in such manner as may be 
prescribed. I' 
(3) The working standards shall be kept at such . 
places, in such custody and in such manner as may 
be .prescribed. 
(4) A working standard shall be versed with 
the secondary standard and marked by such persons, 
at such places, at such intervals and in sucb manner 
as may be prescribed: 
Scondw -tundatdb 
Roftrcnce 
stmdards. 
Stsntlard 
reighing 
and mau- 
ring ham- 
mcntr. 
THE ORISSA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES [Or. Act 
Secs:4-6 ) 
Provided that a special working standard in 
relation to bullion and precious stones shaU be verzed 
with the reference standard. 
(5) A working standard which is not so verified 
.and marked within the prescribed period shall not 
be deemed legal or be used for the purposes of this Act. 
(6) A working standard which has become de- 
fective shall not be deemed legal or be used for the 
purposes of this Act, until it has been verified and 
mnrked in the prescribed manner. 
4. (1) For the purpose of verifying the correct- 
ness of the working standards, the State Government 
may .cause to be prepared at the Mint as many sets 
of authenticated standard weights and measures as 
they .may deem necessary to be call~d the secondary 
standards. 
(2) The secondary standards shall be made of 
such material and according to such design and specs- 
cations as may be prescribed and shall be stamped 
ad authenticated by such person or authority as the 
Central Government may direct. 
(3) The secondary standards shall be kept at 
such places, in such custody and in such manner as 
may be prescribed. 
(4) A secondary standard shall be ve&ed with 
the reference stdndard at lea.st once in. every .period 
of five yeah and shall be marked with the date .of 
verification in. the prescribed manner by such person 
or authority as the State Government may direct; 
(5) A secondary standard which is not so verified 
and marked within the aforesaid period shall not.. be 
deemed legal and shall not be used for the purposes 
of .this Act. 
5. The reference standards shall-be kept at such 
P 
laces, in such custody and in such manner as the 
tate Governme~lt may dkect. 
6. (1) For thepUpOs~s of verifying the correctness 
of commercial weights and measures and of weighing 
and measuring instruments used in, transactions for 
trade or commerce, the State Government may cause 
to be prepared as many sets of weighing and measuring 
instruments . , as they may deem necessary. 
(2)Such instruments shall be of such kind kept in 
such number and shall, be- -veded and stamped in 
such manner as may be prescribed, 
20 of 1958 ] @NFORCZMENT) ACT, 1958 3 1 
(Secs. 7-9) 
(3) Such instruments shall be kept at alI places 
where secondary standard or working standards 
are kept. 
Prohibition 7. (I) Notwithstanding anything contained in 
any other law or any custom, usage or practice, no wolgbt~md 
unit of mass or measure, other than the standard rnwures 
other than 
weights or measures shall be used in any transactionsstapdard 
for trade or commerce or any dealing or contract or we~ghb ad 
mcasure. 
for any work to be done or goods to be sold or deli- 
vered ir! any area or in relation to any class of goods 
or undertakings in respect of which this Act has been 
brought into force. 
(2) Any custom, usage, practice or method of 
whatever nature which permits in any trade or trader, 
seller or buyer to demand, to receive or cause to be 
demanded or received any quantity of article in 
excess of or less than the quantity fixed by the weight 
or measure by which the contract or dealing-in respect 
of the said article has been made, shall be void. 
(3) Any transaction, deaIing or contract made 
or had, after the expiry of three months from the 
commencement of this Act shall, in so far as it con- 
travenes the provisions of sub-section (l), be void. 
8. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in Powm fo 
pmmi this Act, the State Government may by notification bq ~9 .f 
in the Gazette, direct that in any specified trade or wughts only 'or ! 
class of trades no transaction, dealing or contractmres 
shall be made or had, except by weight only, or only 'n ccr- 
except by measbre only. ,' * 
bincaw. 
(2)- A notification issued under this sectioh shall 
take effect in such area, with effect from such date 
and subject to such conditions, if any, as may 
specified therein. 
CHAPTER 111 
VWFICATION ST~ING OF WEIGHTS 
AND MEASURES 
9. Every weight or measure manufactured for M* of 
use as a commercial weight or measure shall bear the deaormnrt 
lions on description of the weight or measure which it pur- cot-nmrccd 
ports, to be marked IegibIeon it in such manner as,, 
may be prescribed. 
32 THE ORESA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES : [Or. Act 
[Sets. 10-,151 
Prohibitions 
of rdo of 10. No commercial weight or measure or weigh- 
mt,w+ ing or measuring instrument shdl be sold or delivered 
?&;=: unless it has been verified or re-verified in accordance 
mess-. with the rules and stamped in the prescribed manner 
by an Inspector with stamp of verification. 
Prohibition 
of use of 11. No weight or measure or weighing or lreasur- 
,,mpd ing instruments shall be used in transactions ic trade 
commercial or commerce unless it has been velified or re-verified 
weights or 
,,,,,. in-accordance with the rules and stamped in the pres- 
cribed manner by an Inspector, with a stamp cf 
verijication. 
Power of 
State 12. Where the size of a commercial weight or 
Govcmrnent measure renders it impracticabIe to have any deoo- 
toampt- mination marked on it under the provisions of sectiog 
9 'or to be stamped under fhe provisions of section 10 
or section 13, the State Government may, by notifica- 
tion in the Gazette, exempt such weights or measures 
from being so stamped. 
Prohibition 
of IMIuu~~G '[13. No person in course of trade or business 
turpetc. shall manufacture, repair or sell any commercial 
=Znd weight or measure or any weighing or measuring 
~tnout instrument unless he has obtained in the prescribed 
Lima. manner a licence in this behalf from the State Govern- 
ment or any Officer authodsed by such Government.] 
Markina of 
~cnghts or 14. NO person shall sell, offer for sale, expose 
masumon for sale or have in his possession for sale, any article 
-lad contained in a sealed package or container unless containtrs. 
such package or container bears thereon, or on a 
label securely attached thereto, a description of the 
net weight or measere of the article crntained there- 
in : 
2[Provided that the provisions of this sectjon 
shall not apply to any article which is not ordinarily 
sold by weight or measure.] 
~~poidt ment 3[~ 5 (I) The State Government may appoint a 
ofContrdlm Conmer, an Additional Controller and a Joint 
& controller of Weights and Measures for the State and 
and their as many Deputy Control!ers, Assistant Controllers, 
=ySd Inspectors and Senior Inspectors of Weights and -- 
1. Subshted hy the Orissa Weights and Mcasurcs @dommat) 
(Amendment ) Act, I959 (Or. Act 13 or 1959), s. 2. 
2 Added by ibid, d, 3- 
3. subEtitukd by the Oriua We'kbts and Mmsurcs (Enfment) 
(Amendmeat) Act, 1969 (Or, Act 7 of 1969), s. 3- . 
20 of 19581 (ENFORC~) ACT, I958 
(Sets. 16-17) 
Measures as may be neassary for the purposes of 
this Act; and the authorities so appointed shall exercise 
the powers and discharge the duties conferred or 
imposed on them by or under this Act. 
(2) The local jurisdiction of the Inspectors shall 
be such as the State Government may, by general or 
special order, specify in that behalf. 
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act the 
Additional Controller, the Joht Controller and a11 
Deputy Controllers, Assistant Controllers and Ins- 
pectors shall be subject to the general superinten- 
dence and control of the Controller. 
(4) The Controller, the Additional Controller, 
the Joint Con.troller, Deputy Controllers and Assist- 
ant Controllers may, in addition to the powers and 
duties conferred or imposed on them, exercise any 
power and discharge any duty conferred or imposed 
on the Inspectors.] 
f nspector.s 16. Every Inspector shall forthwith on his toenter into 
appointment enter jnto a rmgnkance with the State ~wizance. 
Government in such sum as may be prescribed for 
thc due performance of the duties of his oEce, fox 
the due payment at the time and in the manner 
required by the State Government of all moneys 
received by him under this Act and for the safety 
of the secondary and working standards, if any, and 
of the stamps and appliances for verification com- 
mitted to his charge and for their due surrender 
immediately on his ceasing to hoId ofice. 
Vdfcatlon 17. (1) Every Inspector shall, far the purpose of ,a stampine 
ve*catioa of weights -and measures and weighingby Inspec- 
and measuring instruments, attend at such places and tors, 
time within his jurisdiction as may be appointed in 
this behalf by the Controller. 
(2) The Inspector shall verify every weight or 
measure or weighing or measuring instrument which 
is brought to him for the purpose of verification and 
if he kds such weight or measure or weighing or 
measuring instrument correct and in conformity with 
89of1936 the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956, 
and the ml& made thereunder, he shall stamp the 
same with a stamp of verification in the prescribed 
manner. 
34 ORISSA WE~OBTS AND MEASURES [Or. Act 
(Sec. 18) 
P.OWW to 18. (1) An Inspector may, within the area under 
Inap'p his jurisdiction, inspect at all reasonable times, the 
weights, measures and weighing and measuring 
instruments which are used in transactions for -trade 
or commerce or are in the possession of any person or 
are on any premises for such use and may verify 
every such weight or measure or weighing or measur- 
ing instrument with a secondary oi working standard 
or. weighing or measuring instrument prescribed for 
the purpose, 
(2) For the purpose of verifying the correctness 
of any weight or measure used in any transaction, an 
Inspector may also verify the weight or measure of 
any article sold or delivered in the course of the 
transaction. 
(3) An Inspector may, at d reasonable times, 
require any trade or any employee or agent of a tra- 
der to produce before him for inspection all weights, 
measures, weighing and measuring instruments 
which are used by him or are in his possession or are 
-kept on. any premises used for trade and all docu- 
ments and records relating thereto and such trader, 
employee or agent shall comply with such require- 
ments. 
(4) An Inspector may seize and detain any 
weight or measure or weighing or measuring instnr- 
ment regarding which an offence under this Act 
appears to have been committed or which appears to 
have been or which might be used in the commission 
of, such an offen=, and may also seize and detain any 
articles sold or delivered or caused to be sold or 
delivered by means of such weight or measure or 
weighing or measuring instrument together with any 
documents or records' -relating thereto. 
(5) Where an Inspector has reasons to believe 
that a sealed package or container does not actually 
contain the net weight or measure of the article which 
it purports to contain, the Inspector may break 
open the sealed package or container and verify its 
contents and if, on such verification, the net weight 
or measure of the article is found to be correct, the 
Inspector, shatI re-seal the package or container 
where it is possible so to do without injury to the con- 
tents thereof and attach a certificate thereto stating 
the mfl:ect weight or measure of the article, but if, 
on the other hand, the net weight or measure of 
24) 01 19581 (ENFORCEMBNT ) ACT, 1958 35 
(Secs. 19-22) 
article is found to be incorrect, the Tnspector may 
seize and detain the package or container and the 
article cont aioed therein. 
(6) For the purpose of such inspection, an Ins- 
pector may, at all reasonable times, enter into any 
place where weights, measures or weighing or measur- 
ing instruments are used or kept fox use in transae 
tions for trade or commerce and inspect such weights 
and measures and weighing and measuring instru- 
ments. 
19. mere it appears to the State Government power or 
desirable that an Inspector should be allowed in anyZ;:ybtrn 
area to adjust the weights or measures or weigh- weiau or 
ing or measuring instruments, they may, if they -. 
think fit, authorise such Inspector to adjust weights 
and measures or such instruments accordingly. 
' f 20. The Controller, the Additional Controller, the Conuoller, 
Joint Controller and enry Deputy Controller, Assist- Sb'$ 
ant Controller and Inspector shall be deemed to be 
public servants within the meaning of section 21 of 
45 ISM) the Indiaq Penal Code.] 
21. (1) Every manufacturer, repairer or dealer hlnnuf* twfi otc.. in weights and measures or weighing or measuring bd* 
instruments, and every person using 'them in traasae wd 
tions for trade or commercc shall maintain such re docummrtc 
cords and accounts as may be prescribed and if 
required so to do by an Inspector, sw produce 
such records and accounts before him. , :. 
(2) Notwithstanding anythidg contained in sub- 
section (I), if the State Government are of opinion 
that having regard to the nature of business 
on. by any such mufctuter, repairer, or dealer, 
it is necessary so to do, they may, by order, exempt 
such person or class of persons from the operation 
of that sub-section. 
22: (1) hy person aggrieved by any decision 
of an Inspector made under this Act may, within 
skty days from the date of the decision, prefer an 
appeal to the Coflcctor or to any oacer appohM 
under this Act who is specially authorised m that 
behalf by the State Government : 
1. substitu~'by thc 0r-k Wtishw and Mwures Wfommnt) (A~~~ 
md) &t, 1969 (m. Ad 7 of 1%91& 4. 
36 THE ORKSSA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES [Or. Ad 
(Secs. 23-25) 
Provided that when such decision is made by 
any offlcer, other than an Inspector,in exercise of any 
pwer or duty conferred or imposed on an Inspector, 
the appeal shall lie to such authority as may be 
prescribed .3 
(2) On receipt of an .appeal under sub-section (I) 
the appellate oficer shall, after giving the persons 
concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard, 
decide the appeal and the decision of the appdate 
authority shall be final. 
Lcvy of 23. The State Government may charge such fees-- 
fw. (a) for 'the ,grant of licences under section 13, 
f6r manufacture, repair or sale of commercial weights 
and measures and weighing and measuring instruments; 
and 
(b) for the verxcation, marking, stamping and 
adjustment of commercial weights and measures and 
weighing and measuring instruments, as may be 
prescribed 
VaIidity of 24. A weight or measure or weighing or measuring 
weightsand mcuurea instrument, duly stamped by an Inspector under this 
duly ,(amp Act, shall be a l~gal weight or measure or weighing or 
ed. measuring instrument in aI1 -places in which this Act 
has come into force unless it is found to be false or 
defective and shall not be litible to be re-stamped -by 
reason merely of the fact that it is used in any place 
other than .that in which it was originally stamped. 
CHAPTER IiV 
PeDaItg For 25. Whoever, after the expity of three months 
, a 1, , from the commencement of this section, sells or causes 
dcI;ivor~ by to be sold or deIivers or causes to be delivered in the 
we~gh t o r ,, ,, ,,, course of any transaction for trade or commerce any 
other than article by any denomination of weight or measure standard ,,&, or other than one of the standard weights or measures 
measure. shalI be punishable, for a fist offence, with fine which 
may extend to two hundred rupees, and for a second 
or subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a period 
which may extend to pne month, or with he which 
may extend to five hundered rupees, or with both. 
20 OX 19 58 1 { ENFORCEMENT ) ACT, 1958 3 7 
( Secs. 26-29 ) 
26. Whoever sells or delivers any commercial PcnaIiy fir 
weight or measure or any v~eighing or measuring $&yi 
instrument which has not been verified or re-verified commsrciat 
or stamped in accordance with the provisions of this &fid 
Act and .the ruIes made thereunder shall be punishable 
with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees. 
27. Whoever uses in any transaction for trade ~cnrity toe 
usa Of uo- or commerce, or bas in his possession for such use, at amp 
any commercial weight or measure or any weighing omrnercia 
or measuring instrument which has not been' verified w2:zd 
or re-verified or stamped in accordance with the provi- 
sions of this .Act and the rules made thereunder shall 
.be punishable for a first offence, with fine which may 
extend to two hundred rupees, and for a second or 
subsequent offence, with imprisonment for a period 
which may extend to one month, or with fine wbich 
may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both. 
Expla~lafion I-When any such weight or measure 
or weighing or measuring instrument is found in. the 
possession of any trader or any employee or agent 
of such trader,. such trader, employee or agent shall 
be presumed, unti1 the contrary is proved, to have 
had it in his 'possession for use in transactions for 
trade or commerce. 
Explanaiion II-Where any weight or measure 
or weighing or measuring instrument is used or pos- 
sessed in contravention of this section by any employee 
or agent of a trader on behalf of such a trader, such 
trader shal!, unless he proves. that the offence under 
this section' was - committed by his employee or agent 
without his knowIedge or consent, be also deemed to 
be guilty of the offence. 
28. If any person manufactures, repairs, or seUs Penaltg for 
any commercial weight or measure or weighing or ?;$$: 
measuring instrument, without obtaining a hen& as etc., witbmt 
required by seation 13, shall be punishable with 'ma* 
imprisonment for a period which may extend to one 
mona, or with fine which may extend to five hundred 
rupees, or with both. 
29. Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of ,,,, ., 
a noacatign issued under section 8 shall be punish- Fm 
able with line which may extend tq five hundred E$Joz 
rupees. eomava a. tioa of (24 ~aw4) -ion 8. 
38 - TRE ORISSA WEIGHTS Am MBASURPS. [ Or. Act 
. (Secs. 30-35) 
~toalti for 30. Whoever contravenes the provisions of section 
14 shaU be punishable with fine which may, exterid mark weight -, 
ormesure to thee hundred rupees. 
onseale d 
oontaincis. 
~snnlty for 31. Whoever fraudulent1 y uses any standard wiight 
fraudulent or measure or weighing or measuring instrument 
"" which he knows to be false shall be punishable wdghts or 
moa s u r es, with imprisonment for a period which may extend 
~tc to one month or with he which may extend to five . 
hundred rupees or with both. 
,,,, h, 32. Whoever 1s in possession of any commercial 
bein4 in weight or measure or weighmg or measuring instnz- 
possess i o n 
., ment which he knows to be'false, intending that the 
woisht or same may be fraudulently used, shall be punishable 
ma8U re, 
etc. with imprisonment for a pericd which may extend to 
Hteen days or with he, which may extend to two 
hundred rupees or with both. 
pp,,lt, for 33. Whoever makes, sells or disposes of or causes 
mking 02- to be bade, sold or disposed of any standatd weight ulllng false , or measure or weighing or measuring instrument 
mea surk which -he knows to be false, in order that the same 
etc. ' 
may be used as true, or knowing that the same is 
likely to be used as true, shall be punishabIe with 
imprisontnent for a period which may extend to one 
month, or with he which may extend, to five hundred 
rupees or with both. , 
34. Whoever in seUing any article by weight OF 
&Fs rhortmeasure, delivers ox causes to be delivered to the vrlsht o r 
mtasure. purchaser less thaa what is purported to be sold 
shall, if the deficiency exceeds the prescribed limit 
of error, be punishable with he whch. may extend 
to three hundred rupees. 
PdQ for 
i&, etc. 
of waishts 
or mama. 
35. (1) Whoever forges or counterfeits- any stamp 
used under this Act for the stamphg of any standard 
weight or measure or, weighing or ' measuring instru- 
ment or possesses any such counterfeit stam or 
removes a stamp from any , standard wei& or 
measure or weighing or measuring instriuheht .and 
inserts the same into another weight or measure or 
weighing oj measuring instrument or wiifully in- 
creases :or diminishes a weight or measure so stamped 
shall be punishable with impriioment fur a period 
which may extend to one month, or with fine which 
my extend to five hundred rupees or with both. 
20of IS8 1' ( BNFORC~~~ ) ACT, 1958 
(Secs. 36-38) 
(2) Whoever knowingly uses, sells, disposes of 
or exposes for sale any weight or measure or weighing 
or measuring instrument with such forged or counter- 
feit stamp thereon, or a weight or a measure so 
increased or diminished shall be punishable with 
imprisonment for a pefiod which may extend to one 
month or with fine which may extend to five hundred 
rupees or with both. 
36. Whoever- p~ndbr TW 
ocgfet .an 
refusal to ' 
(a) refuses or neglects to produce for inspec- pr tl d a 
tion under section 17, any weight or measure or weisbt or maaiuvo weighing or measuring instrument or any document ,t,., for 
or record relating thereto in his possession or on his 1nspccw. 
premises ; or 
(b) refuses to permit an Inspector to inspect 
and verify any such weight, measure, instrument, 
document on rmrd ; or 
(c) obstructs the entry of an 'Inspector under 
section 17 ; or 
(d) otherwise obstructs or hinden an ~~s~ectbr, 
in the performance of his duties under this Act, 
shall be punishable with fmc which may extend to 
five hundred rupees. 
37. If an Inspector knowingly stamps a weight Pcnaltyfor 
brwch of or rneasure or weighing or measuring instrument in duty 
contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the IOSPGC~O~. 
rules made thereunder, he shall be punishable with 
imprisonment for a period which may extend to three 
months, or with fine which may .e~tend to seven 
hundred. and Ety rupees or with both. 
CHAPTER V 
3. .No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding Aattcti on 
shall lie against '[any officer] or any other person ~:~",';n 
appointed under tbis Act in respect of anything, wbich good f~a. 
is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursu- 
ance of this Act or rules made thereunder. 
I. ubstiruted y the Orissa Wtkbtn an ~r&s ( enro~cmYai 
(&,"w+nt ) AH, Pi9 (Or. Act 7of 1969). a. i 
40 THE Om WEIGHTS AND MMURES [ Or. Act 
( Secs. 39-41 ) 
-ce 39. (I) NO court shall take cognizance of an 
d*mceg* offence punishable under. this Act except upon a&. 
complaint in writing made-by the Controller or any 
oficer authorised in this behalf by the Controller by 
general or special order. 
(2) No court inferior to that of a Magistrate of 
~irst Class shall try any offense punishable under 
this Act. 
st-pcd 40. A weight or measure or weighing or measur- 
re~ts, etc. ing ir~strument duly stamped under the provisions 
%,:r of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall be 
POW*. presumed to be correct urrtiI its inaccuracy is proved, 
on its being produced in any court by any Inspector 
having charge thereof or by any person acting under 
the general or special authority of the Controller. 
Q~EZ~CU by 41. (1) If the person committing an offence under 
compsnies, . this ,Act is a company, every person who at 
the time the offence was committed, was incharge of, 
and was responsible to, the company for the conduct 
of the business of the company as well as the com- 
pany, shal1 be deemed to be guilty of the offence 
and shall be liable to be proceeded against ahd 
punished accordingIy : 
Provided that xlothjng contained in this sub- 
section shall render any such person liable to 
punishment if he proves that the offence was commit- 
ted without his knowledge or that he exercised all 
due diligence to prevent the commission of such 
offence. , , 
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub- 
section (11, where an offence under tbis Act has been 
committed by a company and it is proved that the 
offence has been committed with tbe consent or 
connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on 
the part of any director, manager, secretary or other 
officer, such oficer shall also be deemed to be guilty 
of that offence arid shall be liable to be proceeded 
against and punished accordingly, 
Explnnarion--For the purposes of this section- 
(a) "wmpauy" means any body corporate 
and inclodes a firm or other association of individuals ; 
and 
(b) "director" in relation to a firm, means 
a partner in the h. 
42, The State Government may, by no-cation Delegation 
in the -Gazette, direct that any power exercisable by POWcMm 
them under this Act or mIes 'made thereunder shalI, 
in relation to such matters and subject to such condi- 
tions, as may be specified in the direction be exer- 
cisable also by such officer .or authority subordi- 
nate to the State Government as may be spmified 
in the notification. 
-43. Subject to any rules that may be mademM 
under the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, ;;;;;ibin 
89 of-1956 1956, in this behalf, the State Government play,i*& and 
prescribe the limits of error which may be tolerated- 
(a) in secondary standards referred to in 
section 4 ; 
(b) in working standards referred to in section 
3; 
(c) in ~ommercial weights and measures'or in 
A 
selling articles by weight or measure generally or as 
regards any trade or class of trades ; and. . ' 
(d) weighing and measuring instruments. 
44. (1) The State Government may, by notifica- Power to 
tion in the official Gazette, make rules* to carry out makeru*es - 
the prupose of this Act. 
(2) lu particular, and without prejudice to the 
generality of the foregoing power, such rules may 
provide for all or any of the following matters, 
name1 y :- 
(a) the materia! of which and the designs and 
specifications accordidg to which workiqg standards 
may be 'made, the agency by which such standards 
may be prepared, the person by whomor the author- 
ity by which and the manner in which such stand- 
_ ards may be stamped and authenticated; I he places . 
at which and the custody and manner in which such 
standards may be kept ; 
jb) the procedure for the varification or re- 
verification and marking or working standards. the 
persons by whom, the places at which and the inter- 
vals at which'they may be marked ; 
*Car rules 3rd Noti6caljon No. 27484-M-11-R-1160-D.. Tas23ih 
July 1%0, published in Orrssa Goz~ftee, etraordmnry, dated tho lsth 
Septtmbti, 1960 (NO. 637 1. 
THE ORTSSA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 1 Or. Act 
(Sec. 44) 
(c) the material-of which and the designs and 
specificat ions according to which secondary stand- 
ards may be made, the places at which and the 
ci~stociy and manner in which such standards may be 
kept ; 
(4 the procedure fox the verification or re' 
. verification and marking of secondary standards and 
the manner in which they may be marked ; 
(e) the number of weighing and measuring 
instruments to bc kept, the manner in which they may be verified and stamped and necessary parti- 
culars regarding the same ; 
(f) the rnanncr in whicll commercial weights 
and measures may be marked by manufacturers ; 
(g) the form and manner in- which and the 
conditions subject to which licences may be granted 
to persons for manufacture, repair.or sale of commer- 
cia1 weights and measures and weighing and measuring 
illstrurnents ; 
(h) the qualification, functions and duties gene- 
rally of Laspectors under this Act ; 
(i) verification and stamping of weights and 
.measures and weighing and measuring instruments 
and the peiiod within which they are to be reveri- 
fied ; 
(j7 inspection of weights and measures and 
we&hiag and measuring instruments used. in tran sap 
tions for trade or commerce ; 
(k) the sehre, detention and destmctioa of 
weights and measures which are not authorired by 
this Act ; 
(2) the books, accounts and records relating 
to weigbts and measures and weighing and measwing 
iastruments to be maintained and the manner in 
which they may be maintained or produmd ;. 
(rp) the limits of error which may be tolerated 
in secondary or wqrking standards ; 
(Sec. 45) 
(n) the limits of error which may be tolerated 
in weights and measures and weighing and measuring 
instruments used or intended to be used in transaction 
for trade or commerce; 
(0) the limits of error which may be tolerated 
in selling articles by weights and measures generally 
or as regards any trade or class of trades; 
@) the form and m-er in which appeals may 
be preferred against decisions of Inspectors and the 
procedure for hearing appeals; 
(q) the fees which may be charged for the grant 
of licences under section 13 and for verification,. 
reverification, adjustment and- stamping- of weights- 
and measures and weighing and measuring instruments 
and the collection and le,vy of the same ; 
(r) any other matter which- ~ai to b,~ .>. or . itlay 
be, prescribed. A , -, - 
(3) In making any rule uuder'this section th& 
State Government may provide that a breach therefor 
- shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 
one hundred rupees. 
(4) The power to make rules under this section 
shall be subject to the condition of previous publica- 
tion in the Gazette. 
(5) All ruies made under this section shall, as 
soon as may be: after they are made, be laid before 
the State Legislature. 
44 
THE ORBA WEIGHTS AND MEASURES [Or. Act 20 
(ENFORCEMENT) ACT, 1958 of SS81 
(3%. 45) 
R *I. 45. ' [(l)] On the coming into force of this Act 
by a notification under sub-section (3) of section 1 the 
enactments mentioned in the Schedule shall stand - repealed to the extent specified in the. fourth column 
thereof. 
Year Number .Enactments repealed Extent of repeal 
(11 (2) (3) (4) 
1943 7 The Orissa Weights The whole and Measures Act. 
1950 22 The Orissa Local Sub-clause (c) of clause Government Act. (11) of section 292. 
23 1950 The Orissa Munici- Clause (20) of' section 
pal Act. 388. 
, 1920 14 The Madras Local Sub-clause (d) of clause 
Boards Act. (10) of section 202, 
2[(2) On the coming into force of the Orissa 
Weights and measures (Enforcement) Amendment Act, ~c~l~* 
1976, the Central Provinces-Weights and Measures of 2 of 1%~. 
Capgcit Act, 1928 shall, in its application of the 
fY State o Qrissa, stand repealed.] 
1. Renumbered by the Oriw Weights and Measurer (Enforcemot) 
Amendment Act. 1976 (Or. Act 6 qf 1976), s. 2. 
2. Inserted by ibid. 

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