Chapter I - Preliminary
Section 1
Section 1: Short title, extent and commencement
The Act names the central legal-metrology framework and allows commencement by Gazette notification. The central government brought the Act into force on 1 April 2011.
On this page
Need advice on Section 1?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) This Act may be called the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act.
Introduction
The short title identifies the statute; extent says where the central Act reaches; commencement determines when its duties operate. Those are separate questions when checking an older transaction.
Read section 1 with the particular amended section and its Gazette commencement notice.
Key takeaways
Scope and trigger
The short title identifies the statute; extent says where the central Act reaches; commencement determines when its duties operate. Those are separate questions when checking an older transaction.
Operational step
For an event date, first locate the original commencement notification and then the commencement of any later amendment touching the provision. Record the operative text and date in the advice or audit file.
Limit
Presidential assent on 13 January 2010 did not by itself commence the duties. The Assam official copy notes commencement on 1 April 2011, while the 2023 and 2026 Jan Vishwas changes have later, distinct notified dates.
Who and what it covers
The short title identifies the statute; extent says where the central Act reaches; commencement determines when its duties operate. Those are separate questions when checking an older transaction.
Read section 1 with the particular amended section and its Gazette commencement notice.
How to apply it
For an event date, first locate the original commencement notification and then the commencement of any later amendment touching the provision. Record the operative text and date in the advice or audit file.
Confirm the applicable statutory date before analysing an old transaction; later amendments can have their own commencement dates.
Boundary and exceptions
Presidential assent on 13 January 2010 did not by itself commence the duties. The Assam official copy notes commencement on 1 April 2011, while the 2023 and 2026 Jan Vishwas changes have later, distinct notified dates.
Hypothetical example
Hypothetical: a business reviewing a 2010 inspection checks the earlier law in force at that time, while its current 2026 compliance programme uses the amended Act.
Practical preparation
Confirm the applicable statutory date before analysing an old transaction; later amendments can have their own commencement dates.
Primary sources
The statutory text is drawn from the official Act copy.
Practical checklist
Do
- Record the original 1 April 2011 commencement for the Act.
- For a historical event, identify the provision and amendment operative on that event date.
- Keep the Gazette commencement notice with any retrospective compliance analysis.
Avoid
- Do not treat section 1 as dispensing with its stated conditions, exceptions or prescribed details.
Glossary
- Commencement
- The date an enacted provision becomes operative, which can differ from the assent date.
- Prescribed
- Set by rules made under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Act automatically effective from presidential assent?
No. Section 1(3) calls for notification; the official commencement note records 1 April 2011.
Can a later amendment be assumed effective from 2011?
No. Check the commencement provision and notification for that amendment separately.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026