BIS seizes Rs 2.5 cr worth of counterfeit goods in major Flipkart warehouse raid
Bengaluru, Apr 22 (PTI): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Wednesday announced that during a search and seizure operation at the largest warehouse in South India, operated by Instakart Services Private Limited (trading under the name Flipkart), it was found that the firm was allegedly storing and selling products that violated the quality control orders issued by the central government and the BIS Act, 2016.
The estimated market value of the seized items is around Rs 2.5 crore, it said.
The operation, conducted on April 22 by the BIS's Bangalore Branch Office, revealed that several product models seized from the premises were not licensed, misused the ISI mark and registration mark, and violated the terms and conditions of the BIS license.
"Some of these products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), while others are subject to Mandatory Certification by BIS, in accordance with the QCOs. These orders mandate that no product shall be manufactured or sold without a valid BIS license and compliance with the relevant Indian Standards," said a BIS statement.
According to the BIS, approximately 104 varieties, comprising around 17,500 units—including wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earphones, speakers, toys, footwear, cables, and more—were found in violation and seized.
The BIS team, led by Narender Reddy Beesu (Director) and other senior officials, confirmed that a case would be filed in a court of law.
"Legal action will be initiated against the firm under Section 17(3) read with Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. The Act provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of not less than Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine shall not be less than Rs 5 lakh, and may extend up to ten times the value of the goods, or both, as determined by the court," the statement added.
The BIS urged consumers to always verify the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) and license number of manufacturers before making purchases.
The authenticity of a license and the relevant Indian Standard can be verified through the BIS CARE mobile app, it said.
During the operation, the team also educated warehouse personnel on how to check product compliance before allowing sellers to store goods on the premises.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
