- Many shops closed due to FDA action
- If the risk increased, the people of Kharra increased the rate
Nagpur, Everywhere in the city, the sale of scurvy and tobacco was being done openly. There was no worry about anyone getting caught. If caught, a fine of Rs 2000-5000 was imposed. The shopkeepers used to pay the penalty and started the business again from the second day itself. After a long time, the Food and Drugs (FDA) department has started imposing section 328 on such shopkeepers.
There is no bail on this. Many people even have to face the air of jail. Due to this action of FDA, panic is prevailing among the Panthela people. Many shops in the city have closed. Taking advantage of this, many have increased the rates of scurvy and tobacco.
Panthela operators told that for the first time strict action is being taken by the FDA. Due to this it has become difficult to get tobacco in the market. The goods that the big shopkeepers are bringing are selling at high prices. He says that the risk has increased due to which the prices will be higher.
small shopkeepers increased the prices
When the prices of tobacco and arecanut increased, then the small shopkeepers also increased the prices. The 30-rupee Kharra is now being sold for Rs.50. People compelled by habit are buying Kharra and tobacco even at this price. Shopkeepers say that not only has there been a huge increase in the prices of tobacco, but the prices of arecanut are also skyrocketing. Therefore, it is not possible to sell the Kharra for less than Rs.50.
goods worth 72 lakhs seized
FDA Assistant Commissioner Abhay Deshpande said that from April 1 to October, a total of Rs 72 lakh goods were seized. Many big Assamese were also caught. Action was also taken against small shopkeepers. The offense of section 328 has been filed against 19 pantheles. This has increased the fear in the market. This section is applied to those selling products ‘injurious to human consumption’. The FDA used to use this section long ago, but it was banned by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court.
After this the decision also came from Bombay High Court and now the matter is in Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has given a stay on the order of the Nagpur Bench. That’s why the FDA is taking action under this section. Deshpande said that when the matter has started going to the court, there is panic among those selling restrictive products.
The effect of the monetary penalty was not getting much on them and they were selling the banned product with impunity. However, he says that a lot will depend on the order of the Supreme Court. As long as there is a moratorium, we will take action and take strict action against those who violate the law.